Our Shelter Care Program provides short-term care for youth experiencing a crisis, concerns about home safety or stability, or awaiting a more permanent placement. The primary goal of our shelter program is to
offer a safe, stable environment for youth until they are ready to transition to a longer-term setting. The average stay is approximately three weeks.
Our Approach
- Safety First: We prioritize the safety of each youth and those around them.
- Crisis Stabilization: Our team helps youth develop case plans, typically lasting up to 30 days, with extensions available if needed.
- Alternative to Detention: We provide a safe, supportive space for youth, helping to resolve crises without detention.
- Strength-Based Focus: We use a strengths-based approach to foster positive growth and self-discovery.
- Timely Evaluations: Our assessments inform effective case planning tailored to each youth’s needs.
- Daily Structure: Youth participate in a structured daily program that teaches social skills, encourages positive behavior, promotes personal responsibility, and helps them build resilience.
- Community Engagement: We connect youth with local resources, including education, employment, recreation, cultural programs, therapy, and healthcare.
- Cultural Competency: Recognizing the importance of cultural identity, we develop personalized identity goals within each case plan.
- Dedicated Leadership: Our full-time Program Director leads the program, overseeing staff and managing case plans to support each youth’s journey.
- Supportive Staff: Our trained, compassionate staff work in a 1:4 ratio, providing 24-hour awake supervision and creating a caring environment.
- Home-Like Atmosphere: Our staff strive to ensure a nurturing, home-like setting for all residents.
Ages Served
We are licensed to support youth ages 10 to 17.
Admission Criteria
We welcome youth who:
- Are unable to return home or remain in a placement due to crisis, family conflict, lack of supervision, abuse, neglect, behavioral concerns, assessment needs, minor offenses, or substance use
- Are at risk of homelessness or need protective care while abuse is being investigated by Child Welfare
Referrals can come from agencies, family members, or the youth themselves. Youth who qualify under the Federal Runaway Basic Center Program are also eligible. All youth must have health insurance coverage.
Program Limitations
Our program may not be appropriate for youth who pose a significant risk to themselves or others or require services beyond our scope.
Contact for a referral or further information:
Josephine Lange
Intake Coordinator/Case Manager
jlange@youthhomesmt.org
(406) 552-8833
