Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) is a voluntary program serving runaway adolescents and youth who are in conflict with their families. The program targets adolescents between the ages of 12 through 17. FRS services are meant to resolve crisis situations and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement. They are not long-term services. The services will assess and stabilize the family's situation. The goal is to return the family to a pre-crisis state and to work with the family to identify alternative methods of handling similar conflicts. If longer-term service needs are identified, FRS will help facilitate getting the youth and their family into ongoing services.
FRS services may include, but are not limited to:
- Short-term family counseling.
- Referrals for substance abuse treatment and counseling.
- Referrals for mental health services.
- Family Assessments in conjunction with juvenile court services for At-Risk Youth (ARY) and Child in Need of Services (CHINs) petitions.
- Crisis planning and help to respond to difficult situations, such as when a youth runs away.
Please note that the program no longer places the youth out of the home in most cases. Instead, FRS will work with the family to mend relationships via the services listed above.
If you experience any difficulties when calling to make a referral to the FRS program, contact Hannah Merley at 253-254-3473.