Nikki Harrington of Ellinwood has been named Barton County Youth Care Director. Harrington was hired as a youth attendant in July, 2022, and was recently promoted to her current position after serving as a Case Coordinator. She’s a student at Fort Hays State University, earning her bachelor’s in social work.

Barton County Youth Care, BCYC, locally known as the girls home, is defined by the Kansas Department of Children and Family as a Youth Residential Care (YRCII) Facility. These are 24-hour, non-secure group homes or residential facilities licensed to care for youth, girls in this case, typically ages 10 to 18 or older, who have behavioral, social, or juvenile justice needs.

BCYC primary goals are to provide a supportive environment that improves a youth’s level of functioning, teaches vital life and social skills, and prevents future placement in higher-security or more restrictive treatment facilities.

Essentially BCYC provides a stable, structured living space to help youth achieve a higher level of personal and emotional stability that supports positive decision-making, behavioral coping mechanisms, and practical social skills.

Generally, youth in placement at BCYC may be in the custody of the Kansas Department of Children and Families.

Barton County Youth Care, and its staff, are under the umbrella of the BCYC board, made up of community members focused on supporting staff members working with our youth. Membership includes personnel from area schools, mental health, enforcement, public health, local government and community support.

BCYC is now found on Facebook at Barton County Youth Care.