EMERGENCY YOUTH SHELTER

The Hillcrest Emergency Youth Shelter is designed to provide emergency, supervised care to youth who are experiencing a family crisis which precipitates the youth's removal from the home, runaways, awaiting placement in a longer term setting, and homelessness or other similar crisis.

The Emergency Youth Shelter serves youths between the ages of 12 and 17 who are in need of short term (generally 30 days or less) placement. The program may also serve younger children, depending upon the need for service.

The facility includes a supervisor, assistant supervisor and youth care workers. An on-campus school is available for clients who are not currently attending Dubuque schools. Counseling is available through Hillcrest or a community provider. Medical needs are provided through local doctors and hospitals when medical care is needed.

Educational and peer groups are provided by staff and community contacts on a daily basis. The Hillcrest Chaplain serves the spiritual needs of the youth through weekly group sessions and a vespers service, which is available to those youth wishing to participate. Referrals can be made by the Iowa Department of Human Services or Juvenile Court Services. Referrals from non-professionals as well as self-referrals must be approved by the Department of Human Services.

For additional information, contact the Admissions Coordinator at 563-583-7357; Toll free 877-437-6333 or the Program Coordinator at 563-588-0688.