Most people are familiar with the concept of a domestic violence shelter for women and children, but they may not know that there are also shelters available specifically for children. There are many situations in which a child might require to be placed in a shelter. For example, what if the child loses both their parents and there are no relatives to take them in? Or what if the relative lives far away and the child/children need somewhere to stay for a few nights? In such cases, a shelter for children would be the right place for this child/children.
When Is a Child Placed in a Shelter?
Other than the above-mentioned situation, there are other circumstances in which a child might need to be placed in a shelter.
- Maybe it has come to the attention of the authorities that the child lives in an abusive situation. In such cases, the child will need somewhere to stay until they can sort out where they’re going to go—to a relative, to a foster family, to a family friend etc.
- Or what if it’s discovered that one or both of the child’s parents, though not abusive, have an alcohol or substance abuse problem? What if one or both of the child’s parents is incarcerated?
In all such cases, a shelter for children will be the right place for the child to spend a few days or even a few months until their future can be sorted out.
Benefits of a Children’s Shelter
A children’s shelter generally houses children up to the age of 18 and gives them a safe place to live in while their future can be sorted out. The people working at the shelter are well-trained and experienced when it comes to working with children. They have worked with children who have been through a traumatic situation, and they try to give these children an environment where they feel physically, mentally and emotionally stable, for whatever length of time they will be staying there.
If you know of a child who might need to be placed in a shelter due to their life circumstances, contact us at Pathway Family Services.