Youth Respite Services through MCYP

By Aurelie Clivaz

The Mendocino County Youth Project (MCYP) Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) program offers many free services to youth ages 12 thru 18 throughout the county. Services are provided by Youth Worker staff and licensed therapists in partnership with school districts, the county, and community based organizations. 

School based services are provided in Ukiah, Anderson Valley, Willits, Laytonville, Fort Bragg, Mendocino, and Point Arena.  MCYP staff become an integral part of the school campus through the provision of counseling services, and evidence based prevention education and activities. The building of trusting relationships provides an ease of access for youth to receive one on one crisis counseling, participate in a support group or in professional counseling services off campus. Youth are served primarily on campus during the school day, with community based prevention groups and activities provided year round off campus. Youth can access staff 24/7 for crisis counseling evenings and weekends through the 463- HELP 24-Hour Crisis line.  

An important service that we provide is Youth Respite. Youth Respite Services are provided free to eligible youth who are experiencing crisis. Youth Respite Services are designed for teens ages 12, and up to age 18, who are in need of safe shelter and would benefit from additional services while in Respite. Often, referrals for respite come directly from school staff who refer a youth in crisis to MCYP youth workers. At the time of referral, youth are assessed for eligibility. When eligibility criteria has been established the Youth Worker begins the entry into care process, which includes youth agreeing to the services provided and obtaining parent/legal guardian permission. Upon entry, signed permission to receive services forms must be provided to the Youth Worker. 

Respite shelter is provided in licensed foster care homes for up to 21 days. MCYP’s Youth Worker staff work closely with youth throughout their stay with the goal of providing safe housing, thus keeping them off the streets. Family mediation, academic support, and referrals to medical and/or counseling services are provided as well as working with youth in developing goals for their future success. Respite home parents ensure that the youth will get to school and other important obligations during the youth’s stay in the respite home. At any point parents/legal guardians or youth can decide to have the youth exit the respite placement. Parents are not allowed to know where the respite placement is, however parents and youth are encouraged to have regular contact.

Youth Worker staff are supervised by a Clinical Director and are provided with extensive evidence based, culturally informed trainings so that they may provide individualized support services, relevant information and education to the diverse teen populations in our county.

The Mendocino County Youth Project has been offering respite home services for over 35 years, funded by the Federal Youth Service Bureau.  If you have more questions or are interested in referring a youth for Respite Services you may contact the Mendocino County Youth Project at 463-4915 and ask for the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Program Manager of your region.

Click HERE to view and download a brochure. 

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PEI Program Manager Aurelie Clivaz worked as a youth worker for seven years, and became a program manager and training coordinator in 2016.  She is passionate about supporting youth in becoming self-sufficient and advocate for themselves.