Montgomery County, PA

The Youth Center also maintains a twelve-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.  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 haven for those teenagers who have been physically or sexually abused and are in need of a safe place to stay when foster care is not immediately available

 

Residents in the shelter attend school year round, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. After school and following a brief quiet time the residents engage in various activities provided by either the counselors or the recreation director. Residents also have the opportunity to attend NA or AA groups during the week if they desire.  The residents are under the supervision of the Youth and Family Advocates at all times. Community outings are part of our program and youth are frequently taken off grounds for educational or recreational field trips. 

 

All shelter residents have their own individual room.  Once there are twelve residents in house, admissions to the shelter are closed until an opening occurs. Children are never doubled up under any circumstances.

 

Unlike secure detention, Shelter residents wear their own clothing. Parents are asked to supply about six sets of clothing when their child is admitted to the program.  Skin tight or revealing clothing may not be worn. A washing machine and dryer are available, as residents must do their own laundry. Toiletries are provided but parents may bring residents another brand if they desire. Most prefer their own brand of shampoo, soap, toothpaste and conditioner.

 

 

Visiting hours are as follows:
Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

 

 

Special visiting times can be arranged through the Youth Center Caseworker if a parent is unable to visit at these times.  If requested, significant others may be granted permission to visit by the Caseworker just prior to a resident’s discharge to another program. A written permission form must be available from the caseworker to authorize the visit.

 

All visitors must have a photo ID and must pass through a metal detector prior to their going back into the living units.  Cell phones, purses, tobacco products, matches, lighters or other contraband may not be brought into the building.  Parents may bring food or beverages for their child to eat during the visit, but must take home any food or drink not consumed.  No food, candy or drinks can be left in a resident’s room.

 

When parents come to the Youth Center for the first time they should bring with them the following:
The child’s Social Security card or a copy of his/her SS number.
Your medical insurance card.
The name and phone number of their family doctor and dentist.
Copy of the child’s immunization records if available.  Papers can be copied at the Center.
A photo ID of anyone permitted to visit the child.

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