About Us

Committed to the development of healthy children, strong families and supportive communities

The Deschutes County Commission on Children & Families began in 1994. Our lay citizen Board includes 15 residents from our local communities. Members are appointed by the County Commissioners and the Presiding Judge of our Circuit Court.

We promote local responsibility for the health of our communities, our children and families.  We work closely with local agencies, coalitions, businesses, and individual citizens to improve the health and livability of our communities, County and region.

The Commission strengthens our communities through (1) citizen involvement, (2) a community plan, (3) funding and program development, and (4) advocacy. We also work closely with the State of Oregon to secure resources and make sure our systems work effectively and efficiently at the local level.

Currently, our resources are dedicated to several important efforts. They include:

• Prevention and Early Intervention
• Community Justice and Community Youth Investment Program
• Partnerships with Schools and Communities.

Our Commission is unique in Oregon. By law, it must have an all-lay Board and a Professional Advisory Council. It is the only Oregon Commission with a Governing Body that includes County Commissioners AND the Presiding Judge. By law, it is charged with coordinating local services and proposing local management of state services for children and families that can be managed more effectively at the local level. Our Commission Board is currently chaired by Gary Smith. Recent chairs include Tammy Baney, Phillipa Brown and Representative Gene Whisnant.