YouthConnect transitions to independent nonprofit to deepen support for Boston youth and families through trauma-responsive mental health and advocacy services

JUNE 29, 2026 – BOSTON, MA


YouthConnect, a longtime program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB), is transitioning into an independent nonprofit organization focused on youth intervention, mental health, and violence prevention services. The move, which will take effect on July 1, will allow YouthConnect to expand its specialized work in partnership with the Boston Police Department while maintaining close collaboration with BGCB and community partners across Boston. 

YouthConnect is the only prevention and intervention organization in Boston embedded within Boston Police Department district stations, where licensed clinical social workers work alongside officers to connect young people and families with long-term mental health support, trauma-responsive counseling, advocacy, and community-based resources. 

YouthConnect helps young people navigate trauma, violence, and involvement in the juvenile justice system through free clinical services, family support, case management, and resource coordination. The organization’s work is rooted in helping young people remain connected to school, stable support systems, and future opportunity. 

“This transition represents an exciting next step for YouthConnect,” said Kevan Barton, Executive Director of YouthConnect. “As part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, we built deep trust within communities across Boston and developed a model centered on prevention and intervention, mental health support, and long-term family stability. Becoming an independent nonprofit allows us to sharpen that focus, expand our impact, and reach more young people with the care and resources they need to thrive.” 

An estimated 65–70% of youth involved in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health condition, yet many families face barriers to accessing consistent care. 

YouthConnect works to bridge those gaps through partnerships with schools, hospitals, public agencies, and community organizations across the city. 

“YouthConnect has always been one of the most innovative and impactful programs in our organization,” said Robert Lewis Jr., Nicholas President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. “Establishing YouthConnect as an independent organization will strengthen its ability to grow, deepen partnerships, and respond even more effectively to the urgent mental health and intervention needs facing young people and families across Boston. We are proud of everything YouthConnect has accomplished as part of BGCB and excited for what this independence makes possible.” 

YouthConnect’s model extends beyond crisis intervention by working with entire families to address challenges; including trauma, school disengagement, substance use, housing instability, and family conflict. Services often include support for caregivers and siblings to help strengthen long-term family stability and reduce future system involvement. 

“This new chapter for YouthConnect reflects both the growing needs of Boston’s young people and the importance of meeting those needs with flexibility, partnership, and trust,” said Michael Cox, Commissioner of the Boston Police Department. “As YouthConnect turns this page, it will create more opportunities for the organization to expand its impact and continue connecting young people and families with the support they need. YouthConnect is a valuable resource for our officers, and we congratulate them on this important step.” 

YouthConnect was created in 1996 at a time when youth violence was climbing to alarming levels, and the systems designed to help the city’s young people were fragmented or out of reach. What started in a single BPD district station with a single social worker is now embedded in 10 district stations and specialized units across the city. YouthConnect partners with more than 275 community organizations, and has served more than 18,000 young people ages 10 to 24 and their families. 

For more information about YouthConnect, go to: www.youthconnectboston.org 
or call 617-516-5400, or email: info@youthconnectboston.org.