The purpose of the Shelter Care Program is to provide a program of care for youth 10 to 18 years of age who are identified as in need of a stable environment for up to approximately 90 days while a more permanent plan for their care is developed. This service is performed in conjunction with the efforts of the placing agency.

Referrals to Shelter Care can be initiated by a representative of a county children and youth service agency or a juvenile probation office, or a private agency authorized to serve the needs and protect the interest of children and youth. A phone call to determine the appropriateness of the referral and availability of bed space is required.

The phone number is 610.589.4501.

Shelter Care is designed to provide a specific service of care for the placing agency and is responsible for implementing the placing agency's Family Service Plan, organizing all planning meetings, ensuring proper medical care, and assisting the agency in preparing the youth for the next provider of care.

The Shelter Care Program is housed in The Henning Center on Bethany's campus. The Henning Center has four wings and the population determines the gender occupancy of those wings. Each wing has its own bathroom and shower facilities. Twenty-four hour awake staff ensure the privacy and personal modesty concerns of each youth. Male and female youth are not permitted in each other's wings. Normally, the sleeping areas are off limits during daylight hours. All programming occurs in areas designed for co-ed living.

PROGRAM SERVICES

• Staffing incorporated into each youth's care: Director, Assistant Director, Social Worker, trained childcare workers around the clock
• Medical
• Recreational
• Alternative educational program provided on Bethany's campus by the Conrad Weiser School District
• Access to additional supportive services, including pyschological, psychiatric, family counseling
  
  
  
  

The Shelter Care Program is a program of Bethany Home, Inc. Though located on the grounds of Bethany Children's Home, the Shelter Care Program is a distinct service separate from the residential care program of Bethany Home, Inc.

Criteria for acceptance and participation in this program are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or handicap.

Bethany Home, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.