Researchers have identified several factors leading youth to leave home. Among the major reasons were the lack of adequate family functioning and support, death of a parent, change of schools, failing a grade in school, problems with teachers, alcohol or drug use, and physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Family breakdown seems to be a major contributing factor. The situation can be more critical for youth because they are financially, emotionally, and possibly legally dependent upon their families.

Admission Policies

North Texas Youth Connection does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, political beliefs or religion.

All applicants will be screened and their cases reviewed by the Executive Director or designee, who will make the final determination regarding each application for admission and has the authority to deny admission to any youth who they deem could not benefit from the program, or whose presence could jeopardize the effectiveness of the program or the safety/well-being of other youth.

Before admission, NTYC will discuss the following with each youth:

Each youth will also receive:

Service Plans

Youth will develop a service plan to obtain basic skills training, workforce readiness training, and educational access.

Education

Youth will be enrolled in public school, provided assistance with application for free lunch and other services, and provided transportation. Youth interested in furthering their education at college or a technical or vocational schools will receive assistance in the application and financial aid processes, and will be provided transportation.

Employment

Workforce Solutions will provide services that will assist youth in finding employment, including resume writing and interviewing skills. Eligible youth may apply for job positions through the Workforce Investment Act and be paid by Workforce Solutions while gaining work experience.

Mental and Physical Health Care

We provide or help clients access mental health and physical care, including individual and group counseling, routine physicals, health assessments, and emergency treatment.

Required Life-skills Training

Training will be provided on skills the youth need to become self-sufficient. Most will be offered on-site, with transportation provided off-site as needed. Each individual learning plan is designed based upon an assessment of the youth’s needs.

Mentoring Program

Because social skills are a critical component of success, youth will have opportunity to participate in a formal mentoring program designed to increase their ease in social settings, communication skills and interpersonal relations.

Access to other benefits

Youth will be assisted in obtaining mainstream benefits such as food stamps, WIC and Medicaid.

Once employed, a minimum of 30% of their pay will be placed in savings/escrow to be used for long-term goal achievement, such as automobile purchase, and to obtain permanent housing including initial deposits, utilities, and rent.

Permanent Housing

Youth at least 18 years old or who have been emancipated will work in conjunction with their NTYC Case Manager to contact the local housing authorities and/or private housing, and access utilities etc. Donations will be obtained to assist them with furnishings and other needed household items.

Youth will participate in a "Circle of Support" planning meeting to ensure access to additional community services. This meeting will include other service agencies, schools, as well as friends and extended family members whom the youth chooses to invite.

Follow Up & Aftercare

Readmissions

Readmissions will be allowed when determined appropriate by the Executive Director to be in the best interest of the youth and agency.

Program Components

Ages 16-17

4-bed facility

Will be licensed by Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, meeting all General Residential Operation Minimum Standards as required by the State of Texas including having a Licensed Child Care Administrator

Services can be contracted by CPS for housing youth in state care; other youth would be funded by grants and donations

Youth can reside until 18^th birthday; state and federal grants can pay for up to 18 months); CPS will pay for entire stay for their youth up to age 18

Ages 18-21