Staff work intensely with each child’s family while he or she is at the shelter; however, it is difficult to resolve a long-standing family problem during the short stay. For this reason, staff provide follow-up support to the family for three to six months with the goal of keeping kids home and safe. The transition back home is a critical and stressful time for youth and families alike. To help prevent the recurrence of problems, staff visit the home, providing support and counseling. If other family needs are identified, our staff also makes referrals to the appropriate community-based resources. The goal is to achieve family self-sufficiency, eliminate neglect and abuse, and reunite families, or when that is not possible, prepare youth for independent living.