Teens who are dealing with difficult issues, such as substance abuse, psychiatric problems or issues with school or family life, may need assistance outside their own family. There are times when a teen's behavior and problems are beyond the scope of what their parents can deal with effectively. Living in a group home for troubled teens may help an adolescent learn new ways of dealing with problems. If you enjoy working with young people and want to make a difference, starting a group home is an excellent way to help teens get back on track.
Instructions
1. Determine what type of teen issues you will focus on. For example, some teen group homes may be geared to teens who have drug problems, delinquent behavior or are runaways. Although the group home may deal with teens with more than one issue, having a main focus may help with obtaining funding and developing a mission statement.
2. Put together a board of directors. To get funding, most state, federal and private funding agencies require the group home have a board of directors. Possible board members might be teachers, school principals, directors of juvenile detention centers, counselors, child psychiatrists and attorneys--professionals who may have knowledge and experience working with troubled teens.
3. Consider becoming a non-profit agency. Although becoming a non-profit is not mandatory, it may be easier to get funding. It will also make the group home eligible for grants and tax exemptions. At the state level, it's necessary to file an Article of Incorporation. Requirements vary by state. Contact your Secretary of State's office for information. For federal exemptions, you will need to register your group home as a 501(C) charitable organization with the Internal Revenue Service.
4. Decide what services you will offer. In addition to providing a place to live, the group home should consider services such as individual and group counseling, tutoring and life skills classes.
5. Obtain funding. Consider applying for state and federal grants. Visit USA.gov. It provides information for non profits on the different types of grants available for teen group homes. Solicit donations from private foundations and businesses. Hold fund-raising events in the community.
6. Locate a property to turn into a group home. Zoning laws will, to some extent, determine where you can have a group home. Laws vary by county and by state. The number of teens you will have at any one time at the home may also be restricted by law.
7. Hire staff. A certain ratio of staff to teens may be required by law. All staff members will need to have a criminal background check completed.
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