What Is the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program?

Young people who are homeless or runaways have rejected or lost the support of their families.

Too inexperienced to be independent, safe, and responsible, they need help. Here are our goals:

To help them solve their problems

To reunite them with their families or a proper guardian

To solve family problems through counseling and other services

To strengthen family relationships oTo encourage stable living conditions

To help the youth decide what to do in the future

RUNAWAY - Absent from home at least overnight without permission of parents or legal guardians

HOMELESS - Have no shelter or need the services of a shelter for supervision or care

PUSHOUT - Forced out of the home by parents or guardian resulting in homelessness

RESPITE - Need a "cooling off" period after an incident or disagreement with family members

What Does the Shelter Offer?

• Emergency shelter for males and females aged 12 through 17
• Follow-up services after the youth leaves the shelter
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Help to find other living arrangements if home is not an option
• Referrals to other local resources, such as family planning, drug and alcohol services, long-term counseling, and independent living programs
• Transportation to appointments
• Help with school and education
• Clothing

Are There Other Services?

TEEN ISSUES GROUP - Any teen in the community is welcome to join the teen issues group every night from 6-7 p.m. at the shelter at 3718 6th Avenue, Altoona. This group discusses issues like communi-cating with parents, environmental issues, gay and lesbianism, birth control, anger management, goal planning, and job skills.

TEEN HOTLINE - Family members and/or teens are welcome to call the teen hotline to discuss their problems. The staff is trained to be helpful and understanding, with plenty of referral resources. In addition, the hotline accepts information about or threats of school violence. 1-800-227-TEEN

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS - We provide free educational programs for schools and organizations on the plight of runaway youth, as well as information about our programs and services.

Are These Services Confidential? All services are strictly confidential as outlined in our agency Confidentiality Policy. As required by this policy, we must report all cases of suspected child abuse to Childline, the 24-hour Department of Public Welfare hotline. The agency will also notify parent(s) or guardian(s) within 48 hours of the youth coming to the shelter.

Are There Fees? There are no fees for teens using our program. Up to 14 days of emergency shelter are provided for by a government grant. Past the 14th day, payment is required from an agency serving children and youth or from the teen's parent(s) or guardian(s).

Who Sponsors This Program? The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program is sponsored by Family Services, a private, nonprofit United Way agency under the direction of a volunteer board of directors. We have served the county for more than 70 years.

Can I Help? We are always in need of in-kind donations of clothing for teens, toiletry items, craft activities, and videos (G and PG-13 only).

How Can I Get Help? If you would like advice or emergency shelter,call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-227-TEEN or stop in at our teen shelter at 3718 6th Avenue, Altoona.