1. How much does YR charge?
Our goal is to provide a high quality program at no charge to the kids or their families. We believe that you cannot call this ministry and then bill someone for these services. There is no sliding scale and no billing department at Youth-Reach. All that we have on our campus and all that we provide comes through the generous donations that we receive from individuals, churches, civic clubs, foundations and corporations. Our budget needs are met without placing an added burden on a family in crisis. Parents and family members may choose to make a normal general fund donation to Youth-Reach, but this will have no affect on the quality of care rendered to a resident.
2. What ages do you work with?
Youth-Reach Houston is fully licensed by The State of Texas to operate Foster Group Homes for juveniles ages 12-17, and young adults from ages 18-21.
3. Are parents involved in the rehabilitation process?
Parents are encouraged to stay involved in their kid’s life and in his process of recovery. It is not required, but we do ask for parents to stay available to the counseling staff and cooperate in any way that will assist our efforts.
4. What is the final goal you have for a kid?
Our goal is to produce a solid leader, with high moral values and a strong work ethic. We work to instill deep character and a positive sense of social and family responsibility. As a Christ-centered program we strive to lead all of our residents to a saving knowledge of the Lord and to be discipled in the ways of Jesus Christ.
5. What if my kid does not want help?
There is not a program in America that has proven effective in helping a kid that does not want help. We can offer parents creative ways to bring correction and discipline to wayward kids, but Youth-Reach will not accept a child into the residential program until they can freely admit their need for help.
6. What if my kid, once they are in the program, refuses to accept a punishment?
If a resident refuses to accept the consequences of a poor decision or defiant act he will receive compassionate yet firm counsel. If they continue to refuse to accept their assigned punishment they will be dismissed from the program.
7. How long is the program?
Youth-Reach operates under a perpetual license. In other words, there is no state mandated time limit that we must obey. Since we never charge for our services, we are under no pressure to rush a kid through the program. Some residents stay for several months and others stay for years. The variables include the progress of the child, the quality of the home life that they can expect to return to, how they have advanced in the program, their age and maturity, and the opinion of the parent(s).
8. What happens if the child is not ready to leave after their time ends?
As long as a young man is making progress at Youth-Reach this is his home. Each kid matures at a different pace and Youth-Reach customizes a program with each child’s personal needs in mind. Some kids have no options and no home available so they will grow up at Youth-Reach and eventually leave for college or to join the work force.
9. Do you accept kids who are currently on medication?
Many of our current residents were medicated before they came to Youth-Reach. Our belief is that the vast majority of the kids that receive mood-altering medications do not need it. We work hard to teach these kids to cope, develop self-discipline and behave. They need clear boundaries, firm discipline, a healthy diet where caffeine and sugar are restricted, hard work and quick consequences for poor choices. Only a very small percentage of the kids who come to Youth-Reach need medications after they leave the program.
Questions Parents Ask
If my son is presently incarcerated is it possible for him to be interviewed for Youth-Reach?
With the cooperation of detention facility officials and an attorney we can arrange to conduct the phone interviews while your son is still incarcerated. This has been done many times and is a common practice for us.
My son is under 18, will he be sleeping in the same room as the adults?
As much as space and bed availability allows we attempt to keep juveniles residents and adult residents in separate bedrooms. If we are unable to do this the parent of the juvenile resident will be contacted.
Can my son get a job?
Residents must progress through the program and reach Level Two, be a non-student, and be over sixteen years of age to be eligible for a job outside of Youth-Reach. The resident must prove to be both trustworthy and a hard worker before we will endorse him to an employer.
Can my non school age kid get his GED?
If your son meets The State of Texas guidelines and has reached Level Two they may qualify to take the GED course at San Jacinto Junior College and then take the GED test.
How long is the process to get my son in the program?
The first part is as fast as you make it. If you can be flexible when it comes to scheduling interviews, return needed forms and medical records in a timely manner, and cooperate fully with the intake staff it will certainly speed the process. Then, if a bed is available your son will be admitted immediately after we receive all the required forms and information. If a bed is not available we will keep you informed as to the expected timetable and when we believe you may be contacted regarding admittance.
What do I have to do to get my son in the program?
The first point is to complete the Initial Phone Interview. To speed this process it is critical that both the parent and the resident be available to speak on the phone with an admissions counselor. When this interview is completed more information and the next steps will be clearly explained.
Can my son go to school while they are there?
Youth-Reach has a comprehensive and concentrated school on the campus with an accredited curriculum. This school is especially effective for residents who have fallen behind in their educational process or have struggled with behavior in class in a traditional school setting.
Can I come and take a tour of the home?
Parents may call and schedule a tour of our facility. We are unable to accommodate those who arrive for a tour without an appointment.
What does my son do while he is there or what would their daily routine be?
A normal week day begins with wake-up. A resident is required to make their bed and clean their room before breakfast. During breakfast the rooms are inspected by staff. After breakfast there is a thirty minute quiet time where the residents are able to work on their assigned curriculums, study the Bible, or sit quietly and read approved materials. After the quiet time students go to the on-site school, non-students begin their assigned chores. Several times a week the residents work out at the YMCA. This includes supervised weight lifting, aerobic activity and basketball. Lunch is served at 12:30 and afterwards students return to their class while non-residents report for work projects. Youth-Reach has horses, cattle, goats and chickens that are cared for daily. Also, we do all the maintenance on our ten buildings, lawns and pastures. School is dismissed at 4:00 PM and dinner is served at 6:00 PM. Residents who have completed their chores and other assignments have a brief free time in the afternoons. Evenings are spent in topical Bible study, worship times, provocative discussion groups and regular outings to sporting events, concerts, etc.
Who can contact my son while he is there?
We ask that no one contact a new resident during the time that they are at Level Zero (the initial two weeks). While a resident is at Stage One they may place one call a week to a parent and this call will be made by a staff member and may go no longer than fifteen minutes. When a resident reaches Level Two they may receive calls from parents and those who are approved by both parents and the Youth-Reach staff.
