Briarpatch Youth Services, Inc. is a dedicated non-profit organization serving Dane County, Wisconsin, with a mission to strengthen the lives of youth and families. Established through the merger of two long-standing agencies in 2003, Briarpatch provides a broad array of critical services to approximately 2,000 unduplicated youth each year. The organization specializes in supporting young people who have runaway, are experiencing homelessness, or are facing other significant challenges.
The agency offers comprehensive programs designed to address various needs. These include Youth and Family Services, which encompass a youth shelter, advocacy, and parent support; Youth Employment Services, providing job readiness and placement through the Youth Job Center; and Youth Justice Services, offering assistance with restitution, intensive supervision, and restorative justice programs. Briarpatch also provides Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) for youth with mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses.
Briarpatch Youth Services is committed to filling service gaps in Dane County by collaborating closely with local governments and other non-profit organizations. Their holistic approach ensures that vulnerable youth receive the support, resources, and opportunities needed to navigate difficulties, achieve stability, and build a positive future.