About Us!

Convinced that there must be a better way to help children and families, the 1994 Washington State Legislature (E2SHB 2319) took a first step by calling for the formation of the Family Policy Council Community Networks throughout the state.  They envisioned a grassroots process at the local level to improve the lives of children, youth and families in our community.

The Family Policy Council Community Network system is comprised of 36 Community Networks throughout the state of Washington. There are five Networks in King County. The South King County Community Network (SKCCN) is the largest single Community Network in the state in population. Within its borders are eight school districts, all or portions of 17 cities and a large area of unincorporated King County. The population is more than 650,000 and is growing fast.

The SKCCN is charged with building a coordinated prevention effort supporting all elements of the community in their efforts to raise safe and healthy children. The SKCCN is committed to developing better ways to help families and children through both program support and system reform efforts.

Data and observations tell us that, more than ever before, children are experiencing or engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as domestic violence, child abuse, child neglect, violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and male parentage, suicide and dropping out of school.

The creation of the SKCCN goal of "Healthy Families in Caring Communities" was guided by the following Family Policy Principles which require services that:

• Respond to what families say they need

• Recognize the unique culture and beliefs of each family

• Accept each community’s uniqueness and involve local citizens

• Assure that services are open, innovative and collaborative

• Produce outcomes that reflect local goals

• Reduce the barriers and increase the flexibility of funding

• Focus on prevention

The SKCCN is governed by a 23 member volunteer Board with the following makeup:

Thirteen non-fiduciary Board members with no right to compensation or budgetary or policy-making authority in health, education, social service, or justice system organizations that receive public funds and operate within the Network area. These members reside within the Network boundaries and are selected by entities located within the Network boundaries as follows:

•  Chambers of commerce (three members);

•  School boards (three members);

•  King County (three members);

•  Cities (three members); and

•  One high school student.

Ten fiduciary Board members including members representing and selected by the following nine entities within the Network boundaries:

 1.  Cities
 2.  King County
 3.  Muckleshoot Tribe
 4.  Parks and recreation programs
 5.  Law enforcement agencies
 6.  State children’s service workers
 7.  Employment assistance workers
 8.  Private social service providers, broad-based nonsecular organizations, or health service workers
 9.  Public education

In trying to grasp the needs of such a large diverse area, SKCCN has held community meetings, conducted surveys, assessed resources, and studied problem behaviors. Out of this came a comprehensive plan document, published in July 1996, outlining strategies for improving the lives of children, youth and families in the south county area. The SKCCN has continued to study the needs of South King County and updates the plan each biennium. We are currently working on a plan for 2007-09. Copies of all final planning documents are included on the web site.

• Comprehensive Plan

• 2005-07 Plan Update