For caseworkers & families

How a referral works.

Whether you're a caseworker, a family member, or a young person asking on your own behalf — here's exactly what happens next.

Eligibility

Who we currently serve

We serve

  • Youth ages 13–17, any gender
  • Placements through the county or state child welfare system
  • Youth needing a moderate level of behavioral or emotional support
  • Sibling groups, when bed space allows

We're not currently able to serve

  • Youth requiring 24-hour nursing or acute medical care
  • Youth with an active, unmanaged psychiatric crisis needing hospitalization first
  • Youth under 13 or over 17 at intake

Not sure if a young person fits? Send an initial inquiry — we'll talk it through together rather than have you guess from a list.

The process

From first call to move-in

  • 01

    Initial call or referral form

    A caseworker or family member contacts our intake coordinator with basic information about the young person and their needs.

  • 02

    Records review

    We review available case history, education records, and medical/behavioral needs to confirm fit — usually within 2 business days.

  • 03

    Meet & visit

    Where possible, the young person visits the house before moving in, meets staff, and sees their room.

  • 04

    Move-in & 30-day plan

    We build an individualized plan in the first 30 days, covering school enrollment, therapy, medical needs, and family contact.

Common questions

Frequently asked

How fast can you take a placement?

Emergency placements can often move in within 24–48 hours if a bed is open. Planned placements typically take 3–5 business days for records review and a visit.

Can siblings stay together?

Yes, whenever we have bed space — we prioritize keeping sibling groups together and will hold space when we know a referral is coming.

What happens with school enrollment?

Our education liaison starts enrollment or transfer paperwork on day one and works directly with the previous school to move records quickly.

How do family visits get arranged?

Visit schedules follow the case plan set by the court and caseworker; we coordinate transportation and supervision as required.

Start a referral

Call our intake line or send details through the contact page — we'll follow up within one business day.

Start a referral inquiry