POCATELLO, ID — Just two years after its creation, Bannock County’s The Village: A Place for Youth and Families has been recognized nationally for pioneering a new program for at-risk youth.
The Village recently received a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of Children and Youth. Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have honored innovative and effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
Established in 2023, The Village was developed as an evidence-based alternative to formal court processing and probation services for youth aged 6–17 in Bannock County. The program supports young people who have engaged in delinquent behavior or are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges that interfere with healthy functioning at home, in school, or within the community.
The Village focuses on four key objectives:
- Enhanced screening and assessment of youth and families in need.
- Improved case management to connect families with essential services.
- Preventive services offered before formal law enforcement involvement.
- Community-based pro-social and service-learning activities to build skills and resilience.
Matt Olsen, the director of Bannock County’s Juvenile Justice Department, shared how The Village has quickly become a central point of contact for families seeking support for youth experiencing behavioral, social, or emotional difficulties.
“Since opening in 2023, the staff at The Village has worked diligently to establish a standard of excellence in serving youth and families in need within our community. Families and children are treated with dignity and respect, fostering a safe and welcoming environment where they can navigate challenging situations,” Olsen said.
Since its inception, The Village has served more than 600 participants and contributed to a significant reduction in juvenile court filings in Bannock County—27% between 2023 and 2024, and 43% between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025.
“We are proud of the meaningful impact The Village has made in such a short time,” said Commissioner Jeff Hough. “This recognition from NACo is a testament to the commitment of our staff, partners, and community to support youth and families in Bannock County.”
