The YES Team is a major resource for follow-up on all runaway incidents that occur within unincorporated Pierce County, as well as the contract cities of Edgewood and University Place. Follow-up is required on all runaway incidents the Team receives through the Juvenile Division of the PCSD. Even if the child has returned home as indicated by a supplement report, the YES Team contacts the family to ascertain if the Unit may be of assistance. YES offers assistance by providing no cost counseling to at-risk children/teens and their families. Open cases are followed-up until they can be closed or forwarded to Juvenile Investigators after 30 days for additional investigation. At this time YES also sends a dental packet to the parents/guardian requesting dental records which are forwarded to the Washington State Patrol.
Both the Juvenile Unit (Investigators) and the Patrol Division refer cases to the YES Team for counseling. Deputies who are called to a family in conflict, pick up a runaway, or detect a juvenile with behavioral problems refer the family, contact the Team or suggest that the family contact the Team directly.
Additionally, the YES Team conducts a weekly Parent Support Group at the South Hill Precinct for parents who are experiencing difficulties in child rearing.
YES works with other agencies within the community to provide consistency in services to families in Pierce County and serves as a referral source for children and parents needing information. The Team also provides services to a limited number of youth that are referred by diversion at Remann Hall.
