Basic Center Grant

The purpose of the Basic Center Program is to establish or strengthen the capacity of community-based public and private agencies to address the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth under the age of 18 and their families. Emergency shelter and supportive services must be delivered outside of the law enforcement, child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems. The goals and objectives of the Basic Center Program are to: 1) provide outreach, crisis intervention and aftercare; 2) reunite youth with their families, if deemed safe, and encourage the resolution of intra-family problems through counseling and other services; 3) strengthen family relationships and encourage stable living conditions for youth; and 4) help youth decide on constructive courses of action.