You can choose to request Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) if a teenager in your home is running away or is in conflict with others. The program is for teens aged 12 to 17. The goal of FRS is to fix problems in the home and prevent the teen from needing to leave the home. It’s not a long-term program. The services will look at what’s going on with the family, help calm the situation, and work to get the family back to how things were before the conflict. They will also help connect the family to other services for longer support.

FRS services may include, but are not limited to:

• Short-term family counseling
• Referrals for help with drug or alcohol problems
• Referrals for mental health support
• Family assessments with juvenile court services for youth at risk or in need of help
• Planning for emergencies and support when a youth runs away

Please note in most cases, FRS does not place the youth out of the home. Instead, they work with the family to improve relationships and solve problems.

If you have trouble calling to set up services, you can contact Hannah Merley at 253-254-3473.