Washington State Youth Services

In the 1990s, Clark County officials completed an extensive study on social services for homeless and runaway youth finding an extreme lack of resources for youth in crisis. In response to this glaring community need, Janus Youth Programs partnered with the Vancouver Housing Authority, the Council for the Homeless, and Evergreen School District 112 to pioneer the development of a coordinated system of care for at-risk youth and families living in Southwest Washington. Now part of a regional service approach aimed at working with runaway and homeless youth, Janus Youth Programs' Washington State services help over 650 youth and families each year.

ACORN

Acorn is a six month program and serves youth ages 18-24 who have completed or are near completion of their basic education and have demonstrated the ability to maintain income and meet expenses. Designed to provide basic financial and case management support to youth who are ready to live independently but cannot afford the initial move in costs of an apartment, Acorn’s goal is to be the last direct service program a young person needs to achieve successful independence. Case management services include information assistance and referral, budgeting support, client advocacy, conflict resolution, and several other independent living skills.

Oak Bridge Youth Shelter

The first crisis intervention and temporary shelter of its kind in Clark County, Oak Bridge serves both state-dependent and non-state involved youth ages 9 to 17. Utilizing 24-hour access, family reunification and mediation services, and aftercare support, Janus works closely with established community agencies to help youth in need. Since 1996, Oak Bridge has helped over 1,800 youth and families.

Oak Grove Youth Shelter

Oak Grove is a secure shelter for runaway youth, ages 12 to 17, brought in by police because they have active run reports or are at-risk of placing themselves in danger. Oak Grove is accessible 24 hours a day for assessment, immediate services and shelter. A safe haven since 1997, Oak Grove seeks to reunite and strengthen families while creating a safer community.

Yellow Brick Road Washington

Operated by knowledgeable outreach workers and community volunteers, this street outreach program focuses on providing information, referral and crisis intervention services directly to street-dependent youth. Each month, volunteers make valuable contacts with youth building trust, meeting immediate needs, and linking youth with services that help them leave street life behind. Each year Yellow Brick Road Washington makes over 2900 face to face contacts.