Shelter Basics & Rules | Briarpatch Youth Services Youth Services

Length of Stay: Youth are granted a 28-day stay upon admission. They may return for up to three stays per calendar year, if needed.
Living Arrangements: The shelter has four bedrooms, each with two beds (Maximum Capacity: 8 youth). Youth may be asked to share a room. There are two bathrooms, each with a shower.
Supervision: Youth are supervised by the Shelter Team 24/7 while on the Briarpatch property or Staff led outings.

Chores & Enrichment: Youth are expected to participate in daily chores and engage in a daily enrichment activity, which may include life skills, creative arts,
or wellness sessions.
Meals & Free Time: We provide all youth meals throughout the stay and youth are encouraged to cook and prepare food with the help of Shelter Team. We serve a homemade dinner every night, followed by free time, during which youth may relax, socialize, or engage in supervised recreational activities.
Recreation & Outings: Shelter staff lead recreational and educational outings regularly on weekends and occasionally on weekdays. Youth are supervised at all times during these activities.
On-Site Recreation: We offer on-site recreational options including a basketball hoop, board games, table games, arts and crafts, and a television (available with staff approval).
Unsupervised Outings: With caregiver approval, youth may go on unsupervised outings with friends. All youth are required to return to the shelter by 8:00 PM each night.

Extracurriculars: Youth are encouraged to continue extracurricular activities and may stay after school to participate with guardian and Youth Advocate approval.
Employment: Youth may hold a job while staying at the shelter with guardian permission. They must arrange their own transportation and provide their work schedule to Shelter Staff.

Cell Phones & Laptops: Youth may bring personal cell phones and school laptops. These must be turned in to the Shelter Office by 10:30 PM nightly for charging.
Money & Valuables: Youth are encouraged to leave money at home, unless specifically permitted by a guardian.
Toiletries: Youth may bring a limited number of their own toiletries or Shelter Staff can provide them anything they need.
Sheets and Bedding: Shelter provides all sheets and bedding. If a youth would like a special item please reach out to the Case Manager for approval.

Youth Advocate: Each youth will be assigned a Youth Advocate, who will provide case management both during and after their stay.
Contacting the Shelter: You may call the Shelter Line between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM for immediate concerns or to speak directly with your child.
Visitation: Caregivers may visit at any time with prior approval from the Youth Advocate. Private meeting spaces are available on-site. Youth may also go on daily passes with guardian approval.

Leaving the Shelter: Briarpatch Shelter is voluntary for youth and non-sercure. Supervised outings with staff happen regularly and do not require caregiver/guardian consent, however, unsupervised youth outings without staff require caregiver/guardian permission. Leaving shelter without staff supervision and caregiver consent may result in a discharge from shelter.
Emergency Support: A 24-hour on-call manager is available for emergencies. Overnight staff remain awake and on duty throughout the night.
Medications: All Shelter Staff are trained to securely store and administer all of the youth’s prescription or over the counter medication. We supply common OTC medications that can be administered with Caregiver approval.