Runaway & Homeless Youth Act Funds

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHY), “A Place for Me” Interim Family Program provides temporary emergency shelter through certified interim family homes, short term case management, and needed services to youth who have either left their legal residence without the consent of their parents/guardian or have been asked to leave their home. The goal is to avert runaway situations, reunite families, refer to appropriate services and to offer interim family placement when available as an intervention strategy when a youth does not have a permanent and safe option. The program will serve anyone regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or income level.

At this time we do not have certified interim family homes, but case management for eligible youth is available. The program is voluntary in nature. Youth must agree to participate in case management services and follow the expectations of behavior and guidelines of the program. Eligible youth meet be meet one of the definitions below:

Runaway Youth: A runaway youth shall mean a person under the age of 18 years who is absent from their residence without the consent of his/her parent, legal guardian, or custodian.

Homeless Youth: A homeless youth shall mean a person under the age of 21 years of age who is in need of services and is without a place of shelter where supervision and care are available.

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. youth can call 315-366-2548 and speak with RHY or School and Youth Staff.  On nights and weekends, the On Call Number is 315-366-5003.  Callers should ask for the Caseworker On Call and state their need, and any caller can ask for the RHY Program or state their need.    

if you are interested in more information about becoming an interim family home, call 315-366-2548 and ask speak with Runaway and Homeless Program staff or School and Youth staff.