The Culpeper Youth Network began in 1989, when the General Assembly became concerned about the cost of providing residential treatment to high-risk youth, which was increasing approximately 22% each year. A study of children in residential care proved that more cost-effective services could be provided to these children if the funds were handled at the local level.

The General Assembly enacted the Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Troubled Youth and Families. This program endeavors to best serve the community by being cost-effective, able to provide accountability for expenditures, and to justify services provided to the at-risk children compromising our served population.