Family Youth Intervention’s Street Outreach Program and The Refuge
Today, in communities across the country, there are young people living on the streets, running from or being asked to leave homes characterized by abuse, neglect, or parental drug or alcohol abuse. Once on the streets, such youth are at risk of being sexually exploited or abused by adults for pleasure or profit. We’d like to change this.
The FYI Street Outreach Program Vision:
TO HELP FAMILIES HELP YOUTH BECOME SUCCESSFUL ADULTS
TO BE A REFUGE: SOMETHING TO WHICH ONE HAS RECOURSE IN DIFFICULTY
FYI recognizes the service gap for youth that are living on the streets and due to various reasons do not have access to safe shelter or the much-needed supportive services. FYI seeks to provide both street-based and drop in services to youth ages 16 through 20 to assist this populating in making a transition from life on the streets to a life of independence and self sufficiency.
The SOP is one of the programs authorized by the Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act of 2003 to address runaway and homeless youth problems. The SOP purpose is to conduct outreach services designed to build relationships between outreach staff and street youth. A range of education, intervention, and prevention services are offered to youth who are at risk of being subjected to sexual abuse or exploitation. The goal of these efforts is to help young people leave the streets and assist them in moving and adjusting to a safe and appropriate living arrangement.
In accordance with FSYB's goals, FYI will provide support education and opportunities to local youth to promote a healthier lifestyle and provide youth with positive avenues in which to become successful adults. Through street-based services providing educational, supportive services and basic needs, youth will come to trust FYI staff and utilize the services, which include emergency shelter. Drop in services will provide a safe and appropriate setting in which youth can congregate and utilize a spectrum of services from a basic meal to counseling.
The Street Outreach Program staff consists of a Street Outreach Coordinator, two adult street outreach specialists, two youth street outreach specialists, and various community volunteers.
The goal of the program is to conduct outreach efforts to build relationships between street outreach staff and street youth. These efforts will provide support services that will assist youth in moving and adjusting to safe and appropriate alternative living arrangements to become independent, self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Including Positive Youth Development:
• Safe and structured places for teens to study, recreate and socialize;
• Strengthened relationships with adult role models, such as parents, mentors,
coaches or community leaders;
• Skill development in literacy, competence, work readiness and social skills;
and opportunities to serve others and build self-esteem.
These key elements result in the following Positive Youth Development outcomes:
• Increased opportunities and avenues for positive use of time;
• Increased opportunities for positive self-expression; and
• Increased opportunities for youth participation and civic engagement.
Family Youth Interventions
Street Outreach Program
The Refuge
33 Church St.
Mt Clemens MI
48043 (586)463-7338
A program of Comprehensive Youth Services Inc.
