October 2, 2023

For Immediate Release

Statement on the 2023 Youth Assessment Survey

The Youth Assessment Survey (YAS) Committee, of which the Ottawa County Department of Public Health is a participant, is beginning the process of administering the 2023 YAS to the young people of Ottawa County in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. Both public and private schools may choose to participate in the survey.

The YAS contains questions about a variety of behaviors including substance use, mental health, dietary behavior, and more. Students at some grade levels in some districts may also be asked a set of questions about sexual activity and gender identity. More information and the complete 2023 YAS questionnaire is available online for review at ottawacountyyouth.org 

School districts may choose to notify parents of the survey, and provide parents with the option to opt their child out of the survey. If you have a child in 8th, 10th, or 12th grade, and you do not wish for your child to participate in the survey, you can contact your school district to opt your child out. The YAS survey was not presented to the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners for review, funding, or approval in 2023.