Social Service Agency Reaches Out To At-Risk Youth
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Social service agencies in Chicago are trying to get out the word to homeless, runaway and other vulnerable children that there are places they can safely go for help.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Regine Schlesinger reports, social worker Rebecca Levin says 16-year-old Sara is a typical case.
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"Her mother kicked her out of her home because her mother decided she wanted to spend more time with her boyfriend alone," she said.
Levin says for 9 months, Sara wandered the streets, looking for places to stay.
"She had wanted to get intervention earlier, but was afraid to go to the police because she thought she might get her mother in trouble," she said.
Now, a pilot program, funded by federal money has set 15 locations where at-risk kids can go to get help.
Liz Tracy with Chicago Safe Place says kids see the program's logo and go in to find out about agencies that will help them. They include White Castle restaurants, YMCA's and some mom-and-pop restaurants.
Chicago Safe Place will reach out to at-risk kids through ads on trains, buses, CTA platforms and park benches to let them know there's help if they need it.
