OSCEOLA YOUTH CENTER
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Osceola Youth Center Shelter Care is a nonsecure residential shelter program serving adolescent males and females ages 10–17 (with placements potentially extending past 17 for those already in care).
Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the facility offers temporary care for youth who require structured, supportive, and trauma-informed shelter care.
With an average length of stay of approximately 30 days, the program provides 24-hour active supervision and comprehensive daily services aimed at stabilizing the youth while they await long-term placements.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GOALS
The program is founded on a trauma-informed and strength-based approach that emphasizes:
Safety and Stability: Ensuring a secure and predictable environment for youth in crisis.
Healing and Growth: Fostering personal growth, social development, and the ability to self-regulate through supportive interventions.
Comprehensive Support: Providing individualized care and counseling to help youth overcome challenges, build essential life skills, and prepare for successful community reintegration.
Family and Worker Engagement: Supporting not only the youth but also engaging families and workers to promote overall healing and stability throughout the placement process.
TYPES OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT
Osceola Youth Center Shelter Care offers a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each youth:
Shelter Care Planning & Daily Services:
24-hour residential care with active supervision.
Provision of daily care, education, and physical and mental health services.
Counseling and Crisis Intervention:
Individual check-ins on a weekly basis, tailored to the youth’s shelter care needs.
Group sessions focused on social and life skills development, independent living skills, and mindfulness training.
Trauma-Informed Clinical Services:
Credentialed therapists deliver supportive counseling and crisis management.
Use of mindfulness strategies and evidence-based interventions to enhance emotional and behavioral control.
Ancillary Support:
Life skills and social skills groups replace traditional clinical interventions seen in longer-term residential centers, helping youth develop problem-solving and self-soothing abilities.
ACADEMIC/VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Educational support is an integral part of the program to promote academic and social competence.
Onsite Educational Services:
Provided in partnership with the Evart Public-School System.
Each youth is assessed and placed on an individualized education plan designed to meet their unique academic needs.
Skill Development:
Instruction aimed at improving scholastic success and social skills, including independent living and vocational preparation, ensures youth build a foundation for long-term success.
REFERRAL SOURCES & FEES
Referral Sources:
All youth referrals to Osceola Youth Center Shelter Care come directly from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Referrals are accepted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days a year via the Regional Placement Unit (RPU).
The program is required to accept all eligible referrals; however, if safety or appropriateness concerns exist, the program may submit an objection, though the final placement decision rests with MDHHS.