Youth Opportunity

What Youth Opportunity does

Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC is a private, for-profit provider of residential treatment and behavioral health services for at-risk youth aged 10-21, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, with a secondary office in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company operates a network of 28-29 facilities across four states (Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas), including Youth Academies, Youth Centers, Primary Assessment Centers, and the S.T.A.R. Center crisis respite program, serving adjudicated youth and youth in foster care referred through state juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Service offerings include mental health overlay services, substance abuse treatment, trauma-informed care, classroom education, vocational training, and assessment/crisis stabilization, with more than 1,000 youth treated daily by 1,500+ trained team members.

Service delivery is anchored in a portfolio of trademarked proprietary frameworks: the i-HOPE Experience treatment model, the i-Choose behavior motivation system, the TLC (Teamwork, Leadership, Culture) employee recognition program, the Premier GOLD Innovations compliance and KPI evaluation process, and the QUALITY treatment fidelity process (reported to reduce likelihood of future antisocial behavior by 11% per additional fidelity measure achieved). An internal research department conducts peer-reviewed studies published in academic journals, and operations are managed through interactive KPI dashboards and internal analytics. The company has no public-facing software product, API, or mobile application; its technology footprint is internal and operational.

Revenue is generated almost exclusively through government contracts with state departments — Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Tennessee Department of Children's Services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Texas Department of Children's Services — under a managed-services model in which the state makes placement and payment decisions. No fees are charged to youth, families, or commercial insurers for most contracted programs; some locations accept Medicaid, managed care, and private insurance on a case-by-case basis. Go-to-market is sales-led and referral-driven, supplemented by partnerships for educational services (Florida Scholars Academy, Florida Virtual School, Evart Public School System), healthcare (Baptist Memorial Hospital, One Health Family Clinic, Omni Community Health), and recently announced vocational and mentorship programs (GOVSPHERE, VERB Kind, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation). The company is led by CEO Ronald D. Hunter and Sr. Director of Business Development JJ Bond.

Name

Youth Opportunity

Legal name

Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC

Website

https://youthopportunity.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Youth Opportunity Investments operates 28-29 residential treatment facilities across Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas, providing trauma-informed mental health, substance abuse, and educational services to at-risk youth through government contracts with state juvenile justice and child welfare agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Residential Youth Treatment Services

NAICS

Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities (62322), Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Juvenile Justice Education Programs (Detention & Correctional Education) (EDAJAEAB), Juvenile Detention & Youth Custody Services (BPAKANAC), Transition Programs (Reentry, Workforce Readiness & Life Skills for At-Risk Youth) (EDAJAEAF), Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD)

Keywords

• Residential treatment services
• Juvenile justice services
• Mental health treatment
• Substance abuse treatment
• Youth residential care

Headquarters

HQ city

Carmel

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices30 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Contracts - State Juvenile Justice Departments: Revenue primarily from contracted services with state government agencies including Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Tennessee Department of Children's Services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Texas Department of Children's Services. Programs serve adjudicated youth and youth in foster care who are referred through state systems. No fees required from youth/families or insurance providers for most programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Youth Opportunity operates 28-29 residential treatment facilities across Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas, delivering trauma-informed clinical care, mental health overlay services, substance abuse treatment, psychiatric residential treatment, primary assessment, crisis/respite care, and accredited education and vocational training to at-risk youth ages 10-21. Services are organized around the proprietary i-HOPE Experience treatment model and related behavior motivation, employee, and compliance frameworks, and are delivered under contract with state juvenile justice and child welfare agencies.

Product overview

Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC operates a comprehensive human services platform consisting of 28-29 residential treatment facilities across Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas. The company's core offering is its integrated treatment ecosystem built around the i-HOPE Experience treatment model, which encompasses the i-Choose System for behavior motivation, the TLC employee retention program, and the Premier GOLD Innovations compliance and performance evaluation process. Additional proprietary offerings include the QUALITY Treatment Process for reducing recidivism through treatment fidelity, an internal Peer-Reviewed Research Program for evidence-based practice development, and a Data & Analytics Dashboard for KPI monitoring. Services are delivered through a network of Youth Academies, Youth Centers, and Primary Assessment Centers providing mental health treatment, substance abuse services, educational programs, and crisis care for at-risk youth.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• i-HOPE Experience: The treatment model of Youth Opportunity that encompasses the youth's involvement with the organization. Focuses on instilling hope through innovative solutions, evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and incentivizing continual progress.
• i-Choose System
• TLC (Teamwork, Leadership, Culture)
• Premier GOLD Innovations

Products and services

• i-HOPE Experience Treatment Program Integrated treatment model encompassing all youth involvement with Youth Opportunity, guiding every process, treatment service, and relationship toward instilling hope through innovative solutions, evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, prosocial modeling, health and wellness focus, and incentivized progress; delivered to adjudicated, dependent, and at-risk youth placed by state juvenile justice and child welfare agencies.
• i-Choose Behavior Motivation System Behavior motivation system that models, coaches, and incentivizes prosocial healthy behaviors within Youth Opportunity's residential programs; youth earn credits for hygiene, wellness, education, vocational, and treatment participation, with escalating expectations and peer mentoring.
• TLC (Teamwork, Leadership, Culture) Employee Program Employee recognition and retention program designed to enhance morale and culture across Youth Opportunity's 1,500+ team members, recognizing contribution, high performance, and positive culture through Teamwork, Leadership, and Culture.
• Premier GOLD Innovations Compliance and Performance Process Compliance and program performance evaluation process providing oversight of standards, contractual obligations, and regulations, with monthly and quarterly KPI reporting across General, Service Delivery, Investing in Excellence, Fiscal/HR, Order/Safety, Communication, and Satisfaction dimensions.
• QUALITY Treatment Process Treatment quality approach that builds clinical proficiency, provides supervision and fidelity monitoring, and is proven to reduce the likelihood of future antisocial behavior by 11% for each additional fidelity measure achieved, supporting outcomes for adjudicated and at-risk youth.
• Peer-Reviewed Research Program Internal research program in which Youth Opportunity designs studies, partners with universities, obtains IRB approval, conducts research, and publishes findings in peer-reviewed academic journals addressing juvenile justice, risk assessment, and treatment effectiveness.
• Youth Academy Network (Residential Treatment Facilities) Network of 28-29 residential treatment facilities, Youth Academies, Youth Centers, and Primary Assessment Centers across Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas providing trauma-informed residential care, mental health overlay, substance abuse treatment, developmental disability services, and crisis/respite care for youth ages 10-21 under state agency contracts.
• Clinical, Crisis, and Medical Care Services Multidisciplinary clinical care encompassing individualized treatment planning, expert crisis stabilization, and medical/psychiatric evaluation and care delivered by physicians, psychiatrists, and trained staff across Youth Opportunity's residential facilities.
• Academics and Vocational Instruction Classroom education and career training delivered in partnership with local school systems, Florida Scholars Academy, Florida Virtual School, and the Evart Public School System, offering over 200 K-12 courses, high school diploma or equivalency pathways, and vocational credentials.
• S.T.A.R. Center (Safe Temporary Adolescent Respite) Specialized therapeutic respite program providing short-term (maximum 10 days), structured care for youth experiencing moderate to severe behavioral or mental health challenges, with a focus on crisis stabilization and assessment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11% reduction in likelihood of future antisocial behavior for each additional fidelity measure achieved through QUALITY treatment process

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation - Second Chances Equine ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Partnership provides equine mentorship program at Ocala Youth Academy where youth care for retired thoroughbred racehorses. Program teaches patience, empathy, teamwork, and self-control. Horses mirror human emotion and require calm, consistent communication, helping youth regulate emotions and build trust.
• GOVSPHEREsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Partnership to provide vocational training through a seven-week Basic Construction Course at Ocala Youth Academy. Youth gain valuable technical and vocational skills that prepare them for future career paths in construction trades.
• VERB KindsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Mentorship program partnership with Broward Youth Treatment Center and Silver Springs Youth Academy. Helps youth express themselves and develop leadership skills through creative reflection activities.
• Florida Scholars AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides all educational services for Florida residential commitment programs within Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Offers tailored education system accommodating unique needs of each student through multiple pathways to success. Helps students achieve high school diploma or equivalency, earn career credentials, and prepare for college or technical school.
• Florida Virtual SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides flexible, online learning with certified teachers, offering over 200 courses for K-12 students in Florida facilities. Also supports schools statewide with digital learning solutions and educator training.
• Evart Public School SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides educational services at Osceola Youth Center and River Oak Youth Center in Michigan, ensuring students receive consistent and accredited education.
• Baptist Memorial Hospital (Memphis)supportingOthersEmergency hospital services partnership for Memphis Youth Academy providing off-site medical treatment when needed.
• One Health Family ClinicsupportingOthersPrimary care services partnership for Memphis Youth Academy providing ongoing medical care for residents.
• Tennessee Department of Children's ServicescoreOthersPrimary government contractor for Tennessee facilities. Makes referrals and placement decisions for youth requiring residential treatment services.
• Omni Community HealthsupportingOthersContinuum of care partner providing aftercare services for youth upon discharge from Roane Youth Academy and other Tennessee facilities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Sequel Youth and Family Services: National multi-state operator of residential treatment and juvenile justice programs for at-risk youth. Direct competitor competing for the same state agency contracts and serving overlapping populations with similar clinical, educational, and behavioral health services.
• Rite of Passage: Provider of residential, educational, and behavioral health programs to at-risk and adjudicated youth under state contracts. Directly comparable in service model, population served, and government-contract-driven revenue structure.
• Youth Services International (YSI): Multi-state provider of residential treatment, behavioral health, and education services for adjudicated and at-risk youth. Competes head-to-head with Youth Opportunity for state juvenile justice placements using similar treatment-fidelity approaches.

Broad incumbents

• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health: Large nonprofit operator of residential and community-based behavioral health programs for children, adolescents, and adults. Comparable in serving youth with mental health and developmental needs through state contracts, but with significantly broader scope and nonprofit structure.
• BrightSpring Health Services (ResCare/Kids): Diversified home and community-based provider with significant behavioral health and youth services exposure. Overlaps in serving at-risk youth populations through state Medicaid and child welfare contracts, but operates at much broader scale across many service lines.
• Acadia Healthcare: Large publicly-traded operator of psychiatric residential treatment facilities and behavioral health hospitals. Comparable in residential mental health/substance abuse care for adolescents under commercial and Medicaid funding, though predominantly acute psychiatric rather than juvenile justice.
• UHS (Universal Health Services) Behavioral Health: Major publicly-traded behavioral health operator including residential treatment and acute psychiatric services. Comparable in psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) services for adolescents through Brooksville-style facilities within a much larger diversified portfolio.
• Clements Worldwide / National Mentor Holdings (Sevita): National provider of home, community, and facility-based services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. Comparable in serving at-risk youth through state Medicaid and child welfare contracts, with much broader I/DD focus.

Regional players

• Meridian Behavioral Healthcare: Regional behavioral health provider operating residential and outpatient mental health and substance abuse services, primarily in the Southeast. Comparable in youth mental health and substance abuse treatment in Florida-adjacent markets.

Emerging players

• Chamberlain University's Youth Services / KidsPeace: Nonprofit provider of residential treatment, special education, and behavioral health services to children and adolescents across multiple states. Comparable in operating residential treatment facilities for at-risk youth under state contracts, with a similar multi-state footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/yoiexcellence

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries28 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Youth Opportunity