About Us

Appalachian Youth Service was established in 1977 for the care and treatment of at risk youth from across Pennsylvania.  Licensed by the Department of Human Services under Title 55 of the Chapter 3800 Child Residential and Day Treatment Facilities, we are located in Cambria County.

AYS currently operates a residential facility and two Day Treatment Programs.  All programs utilize the evidenced based practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with special attention given to Trauma Informed Care (TIC) and Trauma Focused Care (TFC) principles and practices.

Our Mission Statement: "help kids help themselves" to develop and live a healthy lifestyle, one free of abusive behaviors and criminal activity. AYS has a zero tolerance policy for all forms of abuse, harassment, and retaliation. All allegations of abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment are reported to Childline at 1-800-932-0313 or the Adult Protective Services Hotline (if over 18) at 1-800-490-8505. AYS is pleased to report that we had no incidents of abuse, harassment, or retaliation during this past year ending October 31, 2020. AYS attained full PREA compliance status during our PREA audit in January 2019.