Shelter

 Admittance

The Youth Center also maintains a 12-bed, non-secure shelter program. Children ages 12 to 18, who are in need of shelter care, must have the approval of either the Montgomery County Juvenile Probation Department or the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth before they can be admitted to the program. A signed and notarized petition alleging either a delinquent or dependent act must accompany the youth. In some instances a court order is required. The shelter is usually reserved for juveniles charged with a minor delinquent act or dependency issues such as runaway, ungovernable, or truant behavior. The shelter also serves as a safe haven for teenagers who are in need of a safe place to stay when foster care is not immediately available.

All shelter residents have their own individual room. Once there are 12 residents in-house, admissions to the shelter are closed until an opening occurs. Children do not share rooms under any circumstances.

School and Programs

Residents in the shelter attend school year-round, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After school and following a brief quiet time, the residents engage in various activities provided by either the youth & family advocates or counselors. Residents also have the opportunity to attend drug & alcohol education classes if desired. The residents are under the supervision of the Youth and Family advocates at all times. Community outings are part of our program and youth may be taken off the grounds for educational or recreational field trips. 

 
 Additional Information

Shelter residents wear their own clothing. Parents are asked to supply about six sets of clothing when their child is admitted to the program. All clothing worn by youth in the shelter program must be appropriate. A washing machine and dryer are available. Youth are taught to do their own laundry. Toiletries are provided, but parents may bring residents another brand if they desire. The shelter program will not accept any personal bedding or pillows.