Fall 2026

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” — Dolly Parton

What’s Happening With Our Youth Service Bureaus

IYSA is pleased to introduce this year’s IYSA Youth Worker Development Retreat Closing Keynote speaker, Ethan Kross: author, scientist, and teacher.

Acclaimed psychologist, Dr. Ethan Kross has devoted his scientific career to helping us understand emotions and how to use them to our advantage. The retreat closing session will be filled with actionable advice, cutting-edge research, and riveting stories. Ethan helps put the power back into our hands, so we can control our emotions without them controlling us and help others do the same. 

 Make Good Decisions 

On June 10th, staff from Make Good Decisions went to Indiana University/Methodist Hospital and spoke to 14 students. We had the privilege of speaking to students from Crispus Attucks High School and Tindley Accelerated School. 

This program is called IU Health Crispus Attucks Fellowship Program. Our staff educated the students on both the Make Good Decisions program and the Indiana Lifeline Law. 

Students learned about the story of Brett Finbloom, and were educated on how they can help save lives. The students also worked in groups to create digital posters about what they learned during our presentation. These posters will be displayed in various IPS schools this school year.

MGD Fall Social Media Campaign

A new group of incoming freshmen are starting college and we want to make sure these teens and young adults understand the dangers of underage drinking and destructive behavior. Just as importantly, we want to ensure they understand the Indiana Lifeline Law.

The Lifeline Law was created to remove the fear of calling for help. When an underage person calls or texts 911 for an alcohol related emergency and stays and cooperates at the scene with first responders, the law provides protection from prosecution. 

The message is simple: Make the Call. Stay. Cooperate. Save a Life.

But a law can only save lives if young people know it exists. Take a moment to watch this powerful video and learn why Make Good Decisions matters—and how knowing the Indiana Lifeline Law could one day help save a life.

Click Here to View

To learn more about the Make Good Decisions program, Click Here

DATES / TIMES
  • September 24, 2026
  • Main event 6:30PM – 9:30PM
  • Doors Open for Registration at 6:00pm

The Grand Royale

LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!

Join us for a night of friendly gambling, live music, live and silent auctions,luxurious food and more!

For more information or to register click here: Grand Royale

*Thank You to TURKLE & associates for being our Jackpot Title Sponsor* 

To learn more about Turkle & associates, Click here 

Safe Place 

September is Suicide Prevention Month 

Safe Place in Indiana works with 988 to collaborate on providing services and resources to youth. Suicide is one reason youth have sought Safe Place services. Safe Place can connect youth to counselors, 988, and other mental health resources. 

On September 19th, IYSA will attend the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) Youth Symposium. This event convenes youth, young adults, service providers and stakeholders to explore Indiana’s youth homeless response system and collaborate on stable housing solutions for young people. 

To learn more about the Safe Place program, Click Here 

 

Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program  

Keeping Youth Safe Online This Fall 

As students head back to school and online activity ramps up, the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP) is highlighting free tools and important awareness resources to help families, educators, and communities keep young people safer online. 

A growing threat parents should know about. The FBI is actively working to raise public awareness about violent online networks — commonly referred to as“764” and its many off shoots — that target children through gaming, social media, and messaging apps, coercing them into producing harmful content, self-harm, or exploitation. The FBI has issued open letters to parents and caregivers with warning signs to watch for and steps to take. 

Families can learn more through the FBI (fbi.gov) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (missingkids.org). Suspected exploitation can bereported to NCMEC’s CyberTipline (report.cybertip.org or 1-800-THE-LOST) and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov). 

To read and learn more about on how to keep your child safe please click Here 

To learn more about the ITVAP program, Click Here 

The Journey

The Journey 

The Journey is thrilled to announce that applications for the 2027 Journey Fellowship areopen September 4-October 15, 2026! This transformative opportunity is designed for youth workers across Indiana who are committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of young people. The Journey is a program of IYSA focused on supporting youth work professionals. Their intention is to transform the profession and field of youth work by grounding leaders in who they are, building professional community, and inspiring the beliefs of those who dream and do on behalf of young people. 

Next steps? Feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues, friends, or anyone who might be a great fit—including yourself! Learn more and apply on The Journey Fellowship page

To learn more about The Journey program, Click Here 

 

Our Contact Information

Indiana Youth Services Association
303 N. Alabama St., Ste. 210
Indianapolis, IN 46204

317-238-6955
https://indysb.org/

Upcoming Events

  • August 31-September 2, 2026 StaffDevelopment Retreat – Country Lake RetreatCenter
  • September 16, INvesting in Youth-Newfields
  • September 24, 2026 The Grand Royale – TheRitz Charles, Carmel