Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is The Center for Children & Young Adults?
A: The Center for Children & Young Adults is a private nonprofit organization responsible for the operation of Open Gate and Another Chance, for abused and neglected children and youth ages birth to 17. The Center also operates a transitional living program, Turning Point, for older adolescents, ages 17-21.

Q: How do children and youth arrive at The Center?
A: The Department of Family and Children Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Juvenile Court may place a child at The Center. Children and youth must be placed at The Center by one of these agencies and cannot be placed by a parent.

Q: Why are the children and youth at The Center?
A: Children (ages birth to 12) at Open Gate have been removed from their home due to abuse and/or neglect and need emergency placement while a more secure placement can be found for them. Youth (ages 13-17) at Another Chance may be abused, runaway, delinquent, unruly or otherwise rendered homeless by their current situation. Those at Turning Point (ages 17-21) have been in the foster care or juvenile justice system for most of their lives, lack the basic support system and vocational or independent living skills to become productive citizens yet they possess and display a desire to succeed.

Q: How many children can The Center serve?
A: The Center can serve up to 43 children, youth and young adults at one time. Open Gate has 9 beds, Another Chance 24 beds and Turning Point 10 beds. All facilities serve males and females.

Q: How long do kids stay at The Center?
A: The length of stay for each child in each program varies depending on their circumstances. Turning Point is designed to be a 12-month program however, some individuals complete it within a school year.

Q: Where do children go when they leave The Center?
A: The court and the caseworker determine the next placement for the child. The child could be placed in a group home or foster home. They may go live with a relative. Should the parent(s) meet the terms of the case plan set forth by the court the child could be reunited with their parent(s).

Q: How is The Center funded?
A: The Center is a private nonprofit organization with a          501 (c)(3) status. Funding for The Center is provided through state per diems, lease revenue, county grants, private donations, foundation and corporate grants and fundraising events.

Q: Who governs The Center?
A: A Board of Directors consisting of individuals representing a wide array of industries governs The Center. These individuals volunteer their time and talents to oversee the continued operation of The Center. They also work directly with the agency's management to determine the future programs and projects for the agency.

Q: Where do the kids attend school?
A: Upon admission the educational needs of each boy and girl are assessed. Should the student need to remain in their home school The Center transports them to and from school each day. Other kids go to the school within The Center's district.

Q: What are some of The Center's current needs?
A: Click here to go to the Make A Donation section of the website. This section includes a Wish List for The Center and explains how you can make a monetary contribution.

Q: What do I do if I suspect my neighbor is abusing their children?
A: Contact the local police department and your county's Department of Family and Children Services.

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