Protective Homes Program

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Protective Homes Description: In 2013, Johnson County’s Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center was struggling to find out-of-home placements for youth who were brought to the center in Police Protective Custody. A statewide shortage of foster care homes caused the problem. In February 2014, Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board members learned about the struggles. When no placements could be found, the default placement was too often juvenile detention. In response to the Board’s concerns, one member suggested that we consult with the Global Orphan Project. Another suggestion was to meet with state officials responsible for foster care, licensing, and for juvenile intake and assessment. Meetings with the stakeholders were held with the focus being resolution rather than excuses. Purpose: Through collaboration of government stakeholders, the Global Orphan Project, and the faith community, the Protective Homes program was born. It provided an opportunity for adults to apply to serve as an “appropriate” home for temporary placement of youth for the 72 hours the youth are in Police Protective Custody. The adults and their homes do not need to be “licensed” as a foster home but meet identified minimal requirements. Following background checks and a brief home inspection, the first group of Protective Home providers were trained in September 2014. These homes were placed on a list for intake staff to contact when the need arose. Outcomes: Since September 2014, 36 families/homes have been trained to serve providing our current capacity of 33 homes. Out of 219 youth processed in intake, 154 of the youth have been placed in Protective Homes. Over the life of the program, one family has provided care for 16 children, another 15 children, and still another 12 children. Most homes have accepted between 6 to 8 youth. In order to review the process and make adjustments needed, the stakeholders meet twice annually.