Homeless Family Reunification Services

The agency provides a runaway shelter for at-risk, homeless and/or runaway youth 12 to 23 years in Los Angeles County, including LGBTQ youth, transitional age youth (TAY) and youth who may be ineligible for other shelter programs because they have lived on the street for some time or have more serious problems and/or show resistance to help. The shelter accepts any young person whose behavior or medical condition does not jeopardize others in the program. Youth who have ongoing mental or emotional disturbances; who have a felony record or who have other disabilities are eligible for services. There are no geographic restrictions.

The maximum length of stay is 90 days for short term shelter; there is no minimum length of stay and no limit on the number of times a person may return. Facilities are coed. When possible, parental permission for sheltering is obtained within 72 hours; otherwise, the agency contacts DCFS for further assistance. Individual and family counseling are offered with the goal of reunifying youth with their families or finding alternatives to permanent housing. If an applicant is wanted in connection with a misdemeanor offense, staff assist the individual to clear his or her record.

Secondary services include, but are not limited to, food, clothing, case management, individual and family counseling, substance abuse prevention, transportation, referrals for medical services, educational services, referrals for vocational services, mentoring and tutoring, independent living skills, paid internships, job development and recreational outings.