Who We Are

For three decades, the Indiana Youth Institute has supported the youth services field through innovative trainings, critical data, and capacity-building resources, aiming every effort at increasing the well-being of all children.

Our Purpose

We believe that every child counts. When children experience the conditions to thrive, to reach their full potential, our families, communities and state benefit. We believe in the power of collaboration and partnership, knowing that the ever-changing issues faced by children and youth cannot be tackled in silos. The success of youth-serving professionals and organizations is amplified when connected with other dedicated partners. We believe in constant learning and innovation. Our work is not finished until every child, in every part of our state, is safe, well-educated, healthy and supported by caring adults.

Our Mission

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities that are focused on kids and youth.

Our Vision

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a catalyst for healthy youth development and for achieving statewide child success. We strive to create best practices models, provide critical resources, and advocate for policies that result in positive youth outcomes.

Our Values

for-the-kids
We do it for the kids

We have one goal — to improve the lives of Indiana’s youth. How we do that is always evolving, but the goal never changes.

create-change
We create change

We challenge the status quo, seeking and delivering innovative solutions to address today’s youth development issues and encouraging others to join us in our efforts.

connections
We work together

We believe in the power of collaboration and the strength in partnership, so we look for opportunities to join forces with others and create an environment where connection and collaboration are expected and rewarded.

we-empower
We empower our partners and peers

We provide opportunities for others to receive continued education and training, access critical data, and share best practices so that all can benefit from the collective wisdom of IYI, our partners, and peers.

we-advocate
We advocate for others

We use our voice to amplify the voices of others to inspire action that will create measurable and positive change.

Our History

  • The Excellence in Leadership award, named after James T. Morris, is created to honor extraordinary contributions to the understanding and support of the field of youth services

  • Promise Indiana, a nationally recognized children’s savings account program, is integrated into IYI’s college, career and community initiatives division

  • IYI Launches Strategic Partnership with State of Indiana and US Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to Address Youth Impacted by Opioids

  • A new strategic plan included the addition of Impact and Data Solutions and advocacy

  • An organizational re-design took place and internal technology was updated

  • IYI worked with 92 school districts to improve school counseling as a technical assistance partner for Lilly Endowment’s Comprehensive Counseling Initiative

  • Tami Shields Silverman is hired as Indiana Youth Institutes new president and CEO

  • D. Susan Wisely Youth Worker of the Year award introduced

  • The Trip To College Alerts texting program begins sending messages

  • Helpline is rebranded and now includes options for youth workers to seek additional support

  • New online Kids Count in Indiana Data Book debuts

  • IYI Celebrates 20th Anniversary

  • Release of the first Kids Count Minutes public service announcement to 142 radio stations

  • A free legal advice option is added to the Fund Development Hotline, which is renamed to the Youth Service Help Line

  • First on-the-road training in Columbus.

  • Weekly update is introduced

  • The KIDS COUNT® Data Book expanded to include statistical profiles of each of the state’s 92 counties.

  • The Indiana Children’s Agenda is launched

  • The first KIDS COUNT® in Indiana Data Book is published

  • Library and resource center launched

  • If you are interested in joining our team, view available positions at IYI.

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