CENTURY 21 ProLink Blog

Crittenton Center provides a short-term home for youth ages birth through 17 at the Center for Shelter and Youth Development along with crisis intervention, family visitation, aftercare case coordination, medical care and supportive services.

The program provides a safe, structured, nurturing atmosphere where children in need can stay in a non-threatening environment. The most common reasons for referral to Shelter are abuse/neglect, family problems, runaway, abandonment, parent in jail, loss of foster care placement, and ungovernable behavior which would not allow the child to be maintained in the home.

The program utilizes a modified behavior management program and provides situational or crisis counseling as necessary in dealing with personal problems.

Physical assessments are completed by the agency nursing staff within 24 hours of placement. Routine medical care, medication dispensing and other medical needs are supervised by the nursing staff, assuring the appropriate medical protocol is followed.

Daily programming includes:

• Educational tutoring
• Arts and crafts
• Recreation and outings
• Teen group counseling
• Life skills and social skills classes on topics such as job searches, cooking, and health
• Behavior rewards

Visits and phone contacts with family are available at the shelter. Personal religious counseling is arranged, upon request. The youth may attend the church of his/her choice.

Transportation is provided or arranged for youth to attend school and/or have appointments in the Sioux City area.

Youth are referred to Shelter by Department of Human Services, Juvenile Court Services, or law enforcement.