Family Youth Interventions           

Emergency Shelter- Basic Center

 The residential program is licensed as a Child Caring Institution by the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.  Primary funding is through grants from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Human Services and MSHDA.  A maximum of 6 youth, ages 10 thru 17, can be housed for up to 21 days.  The agency is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  FYI also has a 24 hour crisis line for youth, families and those interested in referring a youth to the program.

Assessment Criteria

As mentioned before, anyone can refer a youth to the program.  Typically, the youth that we help may be having family problems, school issues, thinking of running away or have run away, survivors of abuse or neglect and/or have had police involvement.  Whenever possible, it is recommended that a call be placed to the agency before a youth arrives in person.

Before youth can be admitted into the program, they must take part in an in person assessment.  During the assessment, a staff member will meet with the youth and the parent/guardian to assess their appropriateness for the program.  The youth must be willing to enter the program and cannot be forced, coerced or court ordered.  The youth must also exhibit motivation to enter and establish a goal to complete during their stay.  It is our experience that youth who lack motivation to work toward change do not find the program beneficial.  Within the design of the program, there are limitations to the range of youth in which we can be helpful.  Accordingly, youth with histories of severe drug or alcohol use, extensive psychiatric placements, significant levels of fighting or violence, or inappropriate sexual acting out behaviors are probably not appropriate for the program.  Staff will provide the youth/family with other resources in these cases.

 In most instances, program admission will immediately follow the assessment.

Daily Program Structure

We provide the clients with a highly structured daily schedule and clear expectations.  Part of these expectations consists of numerous agency guidelines that need to be adhered to.  Some of the guidelines are based on licensing requirements, including health, fire and basic safety conditions.  Having a defined set of guidelines helps the clients feel safe, know what to expect, establish appropriate boundaries and help the clients successfully transition into adulthood.   We use natural and logical consequences with the clients, and view them as a learning experience.  Involving parents in setting consequences is often a useful means in helping the parents prepare for the youth’s return home.

The clients are involved in a number of scheduled, organized activities throughout each day. 

•Life Skills-  preparing lunch and dinner from scratch, meal planning, household chores, goal setting,  healthy living, job skills, handling money and community service.

•Interpersonal Life Skills- positive communication skill, assertiveness, handling anger, conflict resolution skills, cultural diversity, decision making, self esteem and handling stress.

•Education- for clients that don’t attend school, the clients are provided with 2 hours of organized study time a day.   Staff is available to help the clients.

•Recreation- games, pool, wally ball, exercise, walks, XBOX 360, basketball, arts and crafts, reading and recreational outings.

Counseling

While the youth is in the program, they receive at least 5 hours of individual counseling over the 21 days.  In most cases, we stress parent/guardian involvement.  Ideally, the therapist plans on 4 family sessions while the youth is in the program.  FYI takes a systems approach, which incorporates all aspects of the youth’s environment to promote healthy choices, responsible behavior, and a safe and supportive environment in which they live.

Community Outreach

FYI staff can present program information to schools, organizations or groups. 

Our Location

Our Basic Center program is in a house located at 418 Cass Avenue, Mount Clemens, MI 48043.  We are just east of Groesbeck.

Contact information

If you or someone you know would like to refer a client/family, make a donation, need a presentation or have questions, please call 586-465-1212.

Have Questions?

We welcome your questions and queries. Please see our Contact Us page for complete contact information.