Before You Call: A Checklist for Referring a Youth to Allen County's Youth Services Center

Allen County's Youth Services Center (YSC) serves males and females ages 6 to 18 with an IQ of 60 or above. The youth must have been abused or neglected, or be a status offender.

YSC accepts placements from DCS-defined regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11. Calling from outside those regions? Clarify that upfront so you don't waste time during the referral call.

Referrals come through official channels: juvenile probation departments and the Department of Child Services (DCS). If you're a family member trying to get help, connect with the youth's probation officer or DCS caseworker - they'll submit the referral the way the center expects to receive it.

The state Department of Child Services (DCS) and Allen County government fund YSC. The facility is DCS-licensed and CARF-accredited, which speaks to the oversight and standards in place while a youth is there.

Eligibility Disqualifiers

• ✓ Confirm the youth can use the restroom independently.
• ✓ Confirm the youth can complete basic hygiene tasks on their own.

YSC is a county-operated, non-secure, short-term emergency shelter. It serves youth in crisis dealing with significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The referral call goes smoothest when you can clearly explain what's happening right now and what immediate support the youth needs.

Every admission starts with a referral call to the center. If you're gathering information for a probation officer or DCS worker, focus on the details they'll need - especially the eligibility points that could stop an admission.

YSC is designed for short stays. The maximum is 20 days unless the state Department of Child Services approves an extension. Be ready to discuss expected timelines and what comes next - whether that's another placement or a longer-term plan.

Referral Checklist

• ✓ Youth’s full name and age (YSC serves ages 6–18)
• ✓ IQ information if known (target population includes IQ of 60 or above)
• ✓ Whether the youth can use the restroom and complete basic hygiene tasks independently
• ✓ Any history of physical violence toward peers or adults (YSC does not accept youth with this history)
• ✓ A clear, brief crisis summary (what’s happening now and why shelter care is needed)
• ✓ Referring agency (juvenile probation department or DCS)
• ✓ When placement is needed (since admissions are handled by phone prior to acceptance)
• ✓ Current medical or medication needs to flag during the call

YSC has 25 beds. Capacity is limited, so having your information organized before the referral call helps you move quickly through screening questions.