TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Cynthia Emerson, Director Community Services Department
FROM: Megan Kendrick, Human & Children Services Administrator
DATE: March 24, 2026
SUBJECT: Children Services Advisory Committee Return On Investment
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BACKGROUND
Over the past three years, the Board of County Commissioners and County leadership have prioritized children’s services by strengthening oversight, transparency, and accountability. Staff capacity has been expanded to improve program monitoring, outcome measurement, and fiscal oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are used as effectively as possible. These efforts are producing measurable results. In 2023, 61 percent of CSAC-funded programs met all of their established outcomes. This year, that number increased to 93 percent.
During Fiscal Year 2024–2025, the Board invested approximately $3.2 million to fund 46 programs serving children and families across the county, resulting in more than 21,000 touch-points. These programs provide critical services including early childhood education, mental health support, mentoring, after school and summer enrichment, academic support, and parent capacity building.
ANALYSIS
Investing in children and families produces strong financial and societal returns. Research shows that early intervention and prevention strategies can generate returns ranging from 2.7 percent to 16 percent. Redirecting even one at-risk youth away from crime can save millions in lifetime societal costs, while ...
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