Group Care

Before admission to Volunteers of America's Group Care program, all participants have had a CHINS (child in need of supervision) or delinquency petition filed against them by law enforcement or the Unified Judicial Court. Once someone has completed a report or petition and the youth meets with law enforcement or the court, a temporary custody directive is completed. If the youth meets the criteria established by the temporary custody directive, he or she will be removed from the home environment and placed in Group Care. Volunteers of America staff complete a thorough intake once the young person enters Group Care. The intake identifies the reason the youth may not return to his or her home environment as well as any potential safety concerns for the youth or staff.

Shelter Care

Participants in the Shelter Care program have current involvement with the Juvenile Justice System. A formal petition of a CHINS (child in need of supervision) or delinquency is in the process of or has been filed with the Unified Judicial System. Once a report or petition has been completed and the youth meets with law enforcement or the court, a temporary custody directive is completed. If the youth meets the eligibility criteria for temporary custody, he or she will then be transported to Shelter Care.

Non-secure Detention

Youth involved in the Juvenile Justice System or who are court-ordered into the custody of the Department of Corrections may participate in the non-secure detention program.

Crisis/Short-term Care

Volunteers of America, Dakota's Crisis/Short-term Care program is designed to work with youth that require therapeutic services in a structured living environment. Services provided focus on behavioral, mental health and academic areas.