Youth Shelter Care provides emergency shelter and services to boys and girls, up to age 18, and their families. YSC is currently licensed to serve 20 youth at any given time.

During their stay with YSC, youth from the community continue their education through the local school system. If they are from another community or are not currently involved in an educational program, the Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency provides educational services in a classroom on campus. The teaching staff works with the students' home school to obtain assignments so they do not fall behind in their studies. Students who are not in school can prepare for GED testing.

At the heart of the program is the belief that teaching better coping and life skills will prepare youth for crisis that may occur in their lives. By teaching youth to make responsible and appropriate decisions for themselves, they will have a better chance of having success in their daily lives and become responsible and contributing members of society.

Referral Procedure

Admissions are received 24 hours a day. Youth or their families may contact YSC directly or they may call the Department of Human Services, Law Enforcement Agencies, Juvenile Court Services or other community helping agencies who will aid in admission and planning for the youth. Youth Shelter care works on a voluntary or court ordered basis.

In a year, Youth Shelter Care receives over 600 referrals and over 250 youth are served.

Area Served

Youth Shelter Care serves youth throughout the state of Iowa. Runaways and homeless children from outside the state of Iowa are also served.