The primary goal of the Permanency Services Teams is to help each child referred to Youthville by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) achieve permanency. The teams work with children and families to establish and move towards an appropriate permanency goal for each child; reunification, guardianship, adoption, or independent living.
These teams serve a specific population that may include medically fragile, mentally retarded, developmentally delayed, and severely emotionally disturbed children. Their specific focus allows them to become experts in navigating specialized services.
The life skills unit works with children 16 years old or older to help facilitate a successful transition into adulthood by serving as a resource and teaching necessary independent living skills.
I'm only 17 years old and I'm on my own. Whenever I need something, Youthville is always there for me. My life skills worker helped me find and look at apartments and fill out the lease application. If I ever just need someone to talk to, Youthville is always there for me.
Teresa, life skills youth
Youthville provides aftercare services to all children and families following permanency. The Aftercare program is made up of master's level, clinical specialists who work directly with families to provide in-home and direct care services.
Youthville recognizes the importance of keeping children linked to their kin, culture, siblings and community. It is our goal to place children with their kin whenever possible. The kinship unit identifies, assesses and supports all relative placements.
The Placement department works to identify the best living arrangements for children who have been removed from their home and referred to Youthville by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS).
Staffed primarily by volunteer drivers, the transportation unit ensures children have frequent interactions in their home community setting with their parents and siblings.
I like my driver because he always keeps us safe when we go to visit our family. Sometimes he tells us to put on our seatbelts when we forget. I also like him because he is very, very nice.
Youthville child
Aftercare Supervisor: 316.529.9109Life Sills Supervisor: 316.529.9333Kinship Supervisor: 316.529.9171