NCJ Number
104932
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper describes three Chicago programs that provide services for 'street' children.
Abstract
The Chicago Department of Children and Family Services, in concert with a number of city and county agencies, has established the Street Network of Chicago (SYNCH). SYNCH has obtained Federal funding to build a network of community services for homeless youth. SYNCH is cooperating with the Catholic Archdiocese to operate a converted convent as a shelter for homeless and runaway youth. Paulina House has 18 beds but plans to serve as many as 900 children and their families this year. The program focuses on youths' immediate needs for food, shelter, and clothing, as well as medical care, and the shelter works to reunite youths with their families. The staff refers youth to appropriate community services. Another SYNCH project in the planning stages is Operation Fresh Start, which will be a group home that focuses on youths' long-term needs. The program will emphasize social skills development in a family-like environment. Youths ready to leave the home will participate in the Outward Bound wilderness training program. An administrative effort being planned will use Federal funds to forge a computer link between the Department of Children and Family Services' youth services system and the Department of Law Enforcement program which traces missing children.