Devereux Arizona, a leading behavioral health provider, announced the acquisition of Phoenix-based Youth and Families First (YFF). The joining of FYY’s behavioral health services for at-risk youth and families in Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson with Devereux Arizona’s wide spectrum of care spanning much of the state will bring much-needed support to more children and families in need.
“We are excited to add the outstanding, evidence-based programs and services of Youth and Families First to Devereux’s spectrum of care,” said Lane Barker, executive director of Devereux Arizona. “The talented YFF staff is a welcome addition to the Devereux family, as the new services now under the Devereux umbrella are critical to the success of many children and families across our state.”
The melding of YFF’s programs with Devereux’s unique and comprehensive array of services, which cared for more than 5,500 children last year, adds core outpatient supports to Devereux Arizona’s Phoenix and Tucson locations. Those programs currently offer a behavior coaching program, which serves youth and families struggling with behavioral issues, challenges at home, school or in the community, as well as LGBTQ youth and young adults; and youth in out-of-home placement.
Youth and Families First, founded by former Devereux employee Kourtney Stafford, is among the most highly regarded agencies offering these services in Arizona. Moving forward, Stafford will assume the title of Director of Outpatient Services for Devereux Arizona, and Devereux will continue to serve all existing clients of YFF.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Devereux,” said Stafford. “Having been a part of the Devereux team before, I’m excited for my staff to join forces with an award-winning, best-in-class agency such as Devereux. I believe that this acquisition will lead to the provision of the most outstanding behavioral health services in Arizona and wonderful outcomes for the clients, youth and families we serve.”
