CAU’s Safe Havens for Youth

One in five youth in the United States will run away from home at some point. In New Jersey alone, more than 70 percent of those youth are escaping abuse. CAU offers two temporary shelter options to help position these young people for continued progress even after they transition into other housing solutions.

Union County Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter

The Union County Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter has a vision to halt the cycle of homelessness through programs that empower youth ages 13-17 to become safer, healthier, more productive members of the community.

UC Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter Provides

• 24-hour accessibility
• Safe emergency accommodations.
• Food, clothing, and medical care.
• Recreation opportunities.
• Youth advocacy and support with DCP&P, law enforcement, schools, and family members.
• Educational assistance.
• Life and social skills training and support.
• Respite opportunities for families in crisis.
• Connection to transitional and permanent housing options.
• Family reunification.
• Employment assistance.

We accept referrals from DCP&P, law enforcement, teachers, school social workers and administration, social services, and youth seeking assistance for themselves or someone they know.

The Runaway & Homeless Youth Shelter is funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services (NJ-HHS).

Contact Us

908-354-5420

908-354-3096 (toll free)

908-413-4261 (24-hour access)

Runaway Hotline: 1-800-RUNAWAY

Union County Youth Shelter

The Union County Youth Shelter offers 30-day temporary placement for youth ages 13-18 referred by the Family Crisis Intervention Unit, the Juvenile Justice Intake Unit, and Union County Family and Juvenile Criminal Courts.

UC Youth Shelter Provides

• Life skills group classes.
• Self-care and daily living skills training.
• Individual sessions with trained staff.
• Nutrition education.
• On-site classroom with NJ certified teacher.
• Daily recreation & weekly special events.
• Referrals to community resources.
• Therapeutic assessments upon request.
• Medical follow up & medication monitoring.
• Vocational training.
• Supervised completion of court-assigned community service hours.
• Connection to family support services.
• Transportation to appointments.
• Assistance at probation and court appearances.

The Union County Youth Shelter is funded by the Union County Department of Human Services.