Office of Juvenile Affairs

PROJECT PURPOSE

Emergency COVID-19 Shelter for temporary separation of Youth with COVID-19

EVIDENCE

OJA is currently contracting for this service with one provider utilizing funding from DHS. This service has helped to alleviate issues with COVID outbreaks within group homes and shelters and given OJA and contract partners the resources to avoid shutting down facilities.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

There are 20 Emergency Shelters around the state that provide temporary shelter for kids with no other place to go. There is a capacity to provide 184 beds per night while other accommodations are obtained. This funding will allow the bed availability to be maximized by utilizing the specialized shelter this funding will procure instead of having to close part or all of the shelter for quarantine purposes.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Currently beds are often taken off-line due to COVID issues with outbreaks among residents and staff. OJA will track the number of beds lost due to this issue over the last 12 months. This service will significantly reduce the down time for current group home beds and the resulting disruption in treatment. This will also significantly reduce the exposure of youth and staff to COVID.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding