Child and Youth Services Market Report 2026

The child and youth services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $150.37 billion in 2025 to $159.34 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of public child welfare programs, increasing awareness of youth mental health needs, growth in nonprofit social service organizations, rising government funding for child services, development of community-based support networks.

The child and youth services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $205.6 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for remote and online youth services, rising investments in digital social care infrastructure, growing emphasis on early intervention programs, expansion of integrated child protection systems, increasing use of analytics in social services. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption of digital mental health platforms, growing integration of data-driven child welfare programs, rising use of virtual counseling and helplines, increased focus on preventive youth development services, adoption of technology-enabled case management.

The increasing prevalence of single-parent households is anticipated to drive the growth of the child and youth services market. Single-parent households are defined as families in which one parent is solely responsible for raising one or more children, due to circumstances such as divorce, separation, the death of a partner, or an individual’s choice to have or adopt a child independently. Child and youth services play a vital role in supporting these households by providing affordable childcare, after-school programs, and related resources, enabling parents to remain employed while ensuring children receive appropriate care and developmental support. For example, in June 2023, the Annie E. Casey Foundation reported that the United States had approximately 24 million single-parent families. Among these, about 14.5 million children lived with only their mothers, 3.5 million children lived exclusively with their fathers, and the remainder lived in cohabiting couple households. Consequently, the rising number of single-parent households is contributing to the expansion of the child and youth services market.

Key players in the child and youth services market are introducing new initiatives, such as youth partnership platforms, to amplify youth voices and promote positive change within global communities. These platforms are collaborative efforts that connect young individuals with organizations, empowering them to take part in decision-making and impactful projects. They provide youth with a voice, resources, and opportunities to initiate positive transformations. For example, in August 2024, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), a U.S.-based humanitarian aid organization, partnered with Accenture, an Ireland-based IT company, to empower over 580,000 young people with essential skills and career pathways in employment and entrepreneurship. Building on Accenture's previous contributions, this expanded collaboration will provide youth with access to relevant training, mentorship, and startup funding, helping them succeed in evolving job markets. With a focus on marginalized youth, the partnership leverages digital platforms to offer certifications and support entrepreneurial ventures, enabling young people to build sustainable careers and address critical global challenges.

In August 2023, Health Connect America, Inc., a U.S.-based provider of various behavioral health services, acquired Specialized Youth Services of Virginia, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows Health Connect America to expand its services in Virginia, enhance support for at-risk youth, and establish a fifth KEYS Academy, which will provide specialized educational and emotional care. This move aligns with the company’s objective to become a leading behavioral health provider across the state. Specialized Youth Services of Virginia is a U.S.-based company that offers child and youth services.

Major companies operating in the child and youth services market are Young Men's Christian Association, UNICEF (UnitedNationsChildrenFund), Save the Children, SOS Children's Village, World Vision International, Stepstone Family & Youth Services, Compassion International, Boys Town, Youth Advocate Programs Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Child Care Aware of America, Children's Hospital Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Children's Home Society of America, The Children's Guild, CARE International, Jumpstart for Young Children, Children's Defense Fund, Girls Inc., Children Aid And Family Services, United States Children's Bureau, Alliance for Children and Families, Prevent Child Abuse America, American Youth Policy Forum, International Foster Care Organization, International Society For Prevention of Child Abuse And Neglect (ISPCAN), Child Mind Institute, Child Welfare League of America, North East Independent Living Services, National Runaway Safeline, Children's Rights, National Black Child Development Institute.

Western Europe was the largest region in the child and youth services market in 2025. Asia-Pacific was the second-largest region in the global child and youth services market share. The regions covered in the child and youth services market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the child and youth services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The child and youth services market consists of revenues earned by entities that provide non-residential social assistance to children and youth. The child and youth services market includes establishments such as adoption agencies, youth centers, child guidance organizations, youth self-help organizations, foster care placement services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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