Austin Children's Shelter: Programs

programs Our services and programs are tailored to the unique strengths and needs of every youth and young adult in our care. Children, youth and young adults come to the Austin Children's Shelter through Child Protective Services, the Juvenile Probation Office or Austin Travis County Integral Care. Emergency Shelter Austin Children's Shelter offers a safe haven for children and youth from birth to 18 years old who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment or neglect. We provide high quality care and critical services needed to begin the healing process, including individual and group therapy, medical, vision and dental care, and educational assistance. Generally, children in emergency shelter care are here for less than 90 days. Teen Mother's Program The Teen Mother's Program was launched in 2010 in a recently built cottage on our campus designed for up to 22 moms with their babies and toddlers. Current trends indicate these young families will live in our care for up to a year. Our goal is to teach these teen moms positive parenting skills to break the cycle of abuse and neglect while supporting the attainment of their educational and vocational goals. Transitional Living Program Youth and young adults who choose to remain in foster care or return to foster care learn skills necessary to make the transition to independent living. Our staff help youth identify resources available to them. Training can include learning how to open a checking account, rent an apartment, interview for a job, shop economically for healthy food and more. Youth in this program live in the long-term residential cottages and must be 16 – 21 years old and either enrolled in school or vocational training. Respite Care Respite care provides temporary, non-routine relief for parents and legal guardians of children with emotional or developmental disabilities for up to 14 consecutive days and up to a total of 40 days per calendar year. This service is available for children who are eligible for services through Austin Travis County Integral Care.
how we make a difference building tomorrows Education development is the foundation on which tomorrows are built. Each child or youth is assessed academically and our staff coordinates any service they may need. We also consult with teachers or counselors about the child’s situation and academic needs, coordinate transportation to the school of origin when possible and provide individualized tutoring and homework assistance. ACS provides all supplies for school, science fairs and other special projects. Armed with the knowledge of how important early development is to a child’s future, ACS also provides a pre-school program for children ages three to six years of age.
connections to emotional wellbeing Emotional wellbeing is paramount to healing and moving past trauma. Each child, youth or young adult receives emotional and behavioral assessments as well as individual and group counseling by experienced, masters-level professionals as needed. Through therapy, youth learn to cope with depression and anger, to communicate more effectively, build self-reliance and trust, and how to avoid future incidents of abuse and neglect. In addition, we provide case management and coordination with Child Protective Services, attorneys, CASA volunteers and other collaborative partner agencies.
healthy kids Many of the children and youth who come to the Shelter have untreated illnesses, need their immunizations, need a dental check-up or may have other health issues. We partner with Peoples Community Clinic to provide on-site medical care including an examination, evaluation and any necessary treatment that a child needs as well as immunizations, nutritional analysis and follow-up care. Each child or youth also receive dental and visual screenings and any needed care. These medical reports go with them to their permanent placement, providing their new caregivers the medical information they need.
horizons Activities can open new worlds, help manage fear or stress, or build self-esteem. Our staff and volunteers actively seek supervised activities for children and youth that can enrich their stay while at the Shelter. With a variety of opportunities, everyone can find something they enjoy and maybe an accomplishment of which they can be proud. Teaching and engaging children and youth in games and sports Introducing children and youth to cultural events Encouraging self expression through arts and crafts Discovery Time Program introduces youth to a variety of experiences, including career opportunities Life Skills Program prepares young adults for transition to independent living A Project of the Junior League of Austin
parenting solutions Parenting education can be a powerful tool to help break the cycle of abuse. Teens learn about childhood development, nutrition, positive discipline, paternal rights and parental responsibilities. Teen mothers work one-on-one with our early childhood educator to learn basic child care as well as age-appropriate play to nurture and create healthy bonds.
pathways to change The behavior of a child or youth will affect him or her in every aspect of their life. Without redirection and training, a youth’s inability to verbalize needs or frustrations, or make healthy choices, can prevent him or her from being successful in school, foster home placement or the transition into adulthood and the workforce. Through trauma informed care, our staff help children and youth discover what triggers certain behaviors and learn how to cope by providing training in social skills, conflict management, healthy decision-making and personal responsibility.
s.a.f.e An acronym for Shelter, Apparel, Food and Environment, the S.A.F.E. program focuses on providing the basic needs of the children and youth to begin to feel safe and to heal. These needs include accommodations in a homelike facility and 24-hour supervised care, balanced meals, healthy snacks and nutritional supplements appropriate for each age as well as clothing and individual personal care items. Funded in part by LCRA Employee's United Charities.