On October 22, the Youth Services Department (YSD) held a virtual kickoff for the 2021 Cross-Divisional Action Teams. The event gave the former teams an opportunity to suggest recommendations and provide an overview of projects that will move forward.

Following the recommendations, the department was introduced to its newest action teams: Equity and Diversity, Youth Engagement, Sanctuary – Trauma Informed and its existing Seeds of Success action team. These new teams will engage employees and help define improvements and performance metrics throughout the department.

The teams will hold biweekly forums allowing members to work with their co-chairs to develop ideas and solutions to improve overall organizational performance. Teams will present to the Youth Services Department Leadership Team on a bimonthly basis. The presentations will provide a chance for the teams to gain feedback and guide their strategic plans forward.

The kickoff included inspirational remarks from YSD Director Tammy K. Fields, Palm Beach County Strategic Planning and Performance Management Director Keith A. Clinkscale and Sr. Strategic Planning Performance Analyst Marcela Carneiro Millett.

Youth Services is utilizing the same model as the county's six cross-department teams and teams created at Palm Tran, Engineering and Public Works, Public Safety, Library and Financial Management and Budget.​