Who We Are

Since originating in 1972 as a Multnomah County demonstration project to provide residential care for adolescent substance abusers who were largely homeless, Janus Youth Programs has provided a second chance for youth from high risk environments - many of whom have no other resources, no other family.

Today, Janus Youth Programs has grown to become one of the largest nonprofits in the Northwest operating 20 different programs that span Oregon and Washington. Many Janus programs are regarded as best practice models and have been replicated both in and out of the United States.

Janus’ organizational philosophy is grounded in collaboration as this is often the only way to minimize duplication of effort while maximizing the amount and quality of services. Having been part of more multi-agency projects than any other child-serving organization in Oregon, Janus Youth Programs has set the standard for interagency collaboration.

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes youth representation, Janus is licensed by Oregon’s Department of Human Services and the Oregon Youth Authority to provide group residential and shelter care; licensed by Oregon’s Department of Drug and Alcohol for a certified drug and alcohol program; and, licensed by Washington State for group residential and foster care. Janus' alternative education school is registered with the Oregon Department of Education and is approved for Learning Disabled and Emotionally Disturbed students. A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, Janus is independently audited and meets or exceeds reporting requirements on all of its funding contracts.

Nearly 90¢ of every dollar contributed goes directly for client services.