Youth Emergency Services
Operation SafeHouse is a 24-hour emergency shelter whose mission is to serve runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 11 – 17 in Riverside County. Services include up to three-weeks of emergency shelter, nutritious meals, counseling, attempts at family reunification, on-site education program, aftercare and a 24- hour toll-free crisis line.
All of SafeHouse’s programs are designed to improve the health, wellness and well-being of our clients.
While in our programs, youth are provided counseling by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Marriage and Family Therapists or Marriage and Family Therapist Interns. SafeHouse offers practicum hours and partners with local universities and online university programs to provide supervision for interns. Supervision at our Youth Programs is provided by Catherine Behnke, LMFT #45089
Program Goals:
- Provide immediate counseling and intervention services for variable and multiple needs (inner conflict resolution, child abuse / neglect, substance abuse, etc.)
- Reunite the youth with their family (family preservation and reunification)
- Foster self-reliance and responsibility.
- Create an intervention point for runaway and homeless youth before they become juvenile offenders.
What’s it like at the shelter?
Both of our shelters are like homes. You’ll share a bedroom with another client and be required to participate in all activities throughout the day including chores and counseling. Friendly staff are there for you, every step of the way, as you work through the stuff that’s bugging you.
Once I’m there, do I have to stay?
No. Our program is completely voluntary. No lock down. No force. If you want to leave, you’re free to do so. However, we strongly encourage you to give our program a chance and if you choose to leave, we have to call your parents or guardians and let them know.
Will you tell my parents everything I share with you?
While we encourage you to be honest with your parents about what you’re going through, what you discuss with a therapist is completely confidential. However, the law does require us to report certain things like abuse or intentions you might have to hurt yourself or others.
Can I bring my own clothes?
While you’re at SafeHouse, you’ll be required to wear clothes (usually sweats and t-shirts) that we provide. We know this may be a bummer but it eliminates the need for a dress code and makes sure everyone is dressed appropriately.
We’re here for teens in crisis, every hour of every day.
How can I get my child into your program?
In Riverside, call (951) 351-4418 or in the Coachella Valley, call (760) 343-3211. Tell the person who answers the phone that you want to set up an intake assessment.
How much does your program cost?
Operation SafeHouse is a private, non-profit organization and is able to help families in crisis through generous donations from public and private sources. No one is ever turned away due to lack of ability or willingness to pay.
How long will my child be there?
That depends on the types of issues that are being addressed. Generally, our Emergency Shelter Program lasts 21 days.
What happens after my child leaves the program?
Operation SafeHouse is committed to helping you make real change. We know that three weeks is only a start to putting broken families back together. That’s why we’re here for youth and their families long after they’ve left our Emergency Shelter Program. We offer aftercare, parenting classes and family counseling to all families who go through our program. We want to see you succeed and we’re here to support you, every step of the way.
Am I required to participate in services?
While parent participation is not a requirement of our program, it is highly encouraged. Often, the issues teens are facing include not only themselves but also their families, friends, schools and communities. Our program is more effective if all members of the family are involved.
What if my child is not accepted into your program?
While this doesn’t happen often, there are cases in which the issues a child is dealing with are more than we are equipped to handle. If it is determined that your child is inappropriate for our program, we will provide you with referrals in your community and assist you with finding the help you need.
We’re here for families in crisis, every hour of every day.
Have more questions?
In Riverside, call (951) 351-4418.
In the Coachella Valley, call (760) 343-3211.
Related Links
What’s it like at the shelter?
Both of our shelters are like homes. You’ll share a bedroom with another client and be required to participate in all activities throughout the day including chores and counseling. Friendly staff are there for you, every step of the way, as you work through the stuff that’s bugging you.
Once I’m there, do I have to stay?
No. Our program is completely voluntary. No lock down. No force. If you want to leave, you’re free to do so. However, we strongly encourage you to give our program a chance and if you choose to leave, we have to call your parents or guardians and let them know.
Will you tell my parents everything I share with you?
While we encourage you to be honest with your parents about what you’re going through, what you discuss with a therapist is completely confidential. However, the law does require us to report certain things like abuse or intentions you might have to hurt yourself or others.
Can I bring my own clothes?
While you’re at SafeHouse, you’ll be required to wear clothes (usually sweats and t-shirts) that we provide. We know this may be a bummer but it eliminates the need for a dress code and makes sure everyone is dressed appropriately.
We’re here for teens in crisis, every hour of every day.
How can I get my child into your program?
In Riverside, call (951) 351-4418 or in the Coachella Valley, call (760) 343-3211. Tell the person who answers the phone that you want to set up an intake assessment.
How much does your program cost?
Operation SafeHouse is a private, non-profit organization and is able to help families in crisis through generous donations from public and private sources. No one is ever turned away due to lack of ability or willingness to pay.
How long will my child be there?
That depends on the types of issues that are being addressed. Generally, our Emergency Shelter Program lasts 21 days.
What happens after my child leaves the program?
Operation SafeHouse is committed to helping you make real change. We know that three weeks is only a start to putting broken families back together. That’s why we’re here for youth and their families long after they’ve left our Emergency Shelter Program. We offer aftercare, parenting classes and family counseling to all families who go through our program. We want to see you succeed and we’re here to support you, every step of the way.
Am I required to participate in services?
While parent participation is not a requirement of our program, it is highly encouraged. Often, the issues teens are facing include not only themselves but also their families, friends, schools and communities. Our program is more effective if all members of the family are involved.
What if my child is not accepted into your program?
While this doesn’t happen often, there are cases in which the issues a child is dealing with are more than we are equipped to handle. If it is determined that your child is inappropriate for our program, we will provide you with referrals in your community and assist you with finding the help you need.
We’re here for families in crisis, every hour of every day.
Have more questions?
In Riverside, call (951) 351-4418.
In the Coachella Valley, call (760) 343-3211.
