​The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department has been recognized with two Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of children and youth. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

NACo recognized the department's Summer Camp Scholarship Program, which provides full tuition and fees for summer camp for children residing in families with incomes at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. The program allows parents to work with the knowledge that their children are safe, while providing children educational and recreational opportunities for growth.

The Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) was also recognized. FVIP is a court diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders who have been charged with domestic battery/assault. It was developed as a diversion program to focus on the unique problems of each family whose child has committed domestic violence.

"Both of these programs are outstanding resources for youth and their families in Palm Beach County," said Tammy K. Fields, Youth Services Department director.

Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more. NACo will recognize award-winning counties during a virtual annual business meeting and town hall.

Started in 1970, NACo's annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nomination is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.

For more information on the programs recognized, please visit pbcgov.com/youthservices.