Impact 2025-26: Empowering youth and the adults around them

Some of the most powerful insight into ending sexual violence against children and young people comes from young people themselves.

We’ve been listening closely; what they tell us, again and again, is that the adults in their lives aren’t taking this issue as seriously as they need them to.

That’s why KCSARC’s prevention education work moves on two fronts at once. In the last year, we have continued to educate parents, caregivers, and professionals through workshops, trainings and podcasts — helping adults understand their role in keeping kids safe. And we’ve equipped young people themselves with the skills, confidence and support to lead prevention work in their own schools and communities. In the process, we’re building leadership among the next generation of changemakers.

Youth Advisory Council: A growing network of peer leaders
KCSARC’s prevention team is gearing up for its third Youth Advisory Council (YAC) cohort in the 2026–27 school year. What began with four highly committed students in 2024–25 grew to nine members in 2025–26. These young people built their own network and raised visibility for this issue among their peers. This fall, we’re welcoming 10 incoming members from high schools across the county, a sign of the momentum this group continues to build.

Break the Silence: Student-led change in Federal Way
In partnership with El Centro de la Raza, KCSARC continued to support Latinx student-led prevention work in Federal Way. This year, young leaders of the “Break the Silence” initiative hosted peer workshops and used social media to reach fellow students, working to destigmatize mental health and raise awareness around consent and healthy relationships. They also presented to parents, caregivers, and district staff, offering adults concrete guidance on how to better support students on these issues.

Student health leadership at Highline and Renton high schools
Through HealthPoint’s school-based health centers, KCSARC’s prevention and Spanish-speaking therapy teams have joined forces to support students and student-led groups working to raise awareness among peers, parents, and school staff.

At Highline High School, seven student leaders formed the Latine Health Leadership Group, helping their peers learn about survivor services and other supports available through the school-based clinic. At Renton High School — where KCSARC has worked in classrooms and with student groups for many years — students formed a Teen Resource Group, which has tabled at school events, presented to staff, and is now compiling a comprehensive resource list to share with the student body.

The impact is tangible: for example, referrals from Highline and Renton have each increased in the past school year, a strong sign that students are learning they’re not alone — and that help is available.

Queering Consent: Taking prevention to college
Our youth partnerships don’t end at high school. Through our continued collaboration with the GSBA, KCSARC has trained and supported an active group of LGBTQ+ college students working to prevent abuse in their own community. Members of GSBA’s Young Scholars program used that training to launch Queering Consent, an initiative that has built awareness through campus presentations, visible presence at student events, and a growing social media following.

Looking ahead
We’re excited to continue supporting and mentoring student leaders as fall semester approaches, along with projects underway to help the “adults in the room” understand their role in keeping young people safe — including the debut of a new film about child sexual abuse, and our work with Renton elementary educators on a much-needed update to K–12 prevention curriculum.

Learn more about the impact we made in 2025-26 here.