What
and Where is Covenant House Alaska?
Covenant House Alaska has been providing a "lifeline from
the streets" for homeless and runaway youth in Anchorage
since 1988. We offer a variety of programs aimed at helping
young Alaskans leave the streets, finish school, learn a skill,
find a job, reunify with their families, and begin their lives
again. We sincerely believe that through love, understanding,
and patience, the kids we serve will flourish.
Covenant
House Alaska has three locations in Anchorage:
How
much does it cost to participate in Covenant House Alaska programs?
All services at Covenant House Alaska are provided free of charge.
My
child has runaway. What do I do?
Most runaways don’t go very far and can usually be found with
the following steps:
- Call the Anchorage Police
Department at 786-8500.
- Call their friends.
Many kids stay with friends when they leave home. Ask the
friend to pass on the message that you care about your child
and want to make sure that they are o.k. and in a safe place.
- Contact our Crisis Center
at 272-1255. Most youth in Anchorage know that they can
come to us if they need a safe place to stay.
- Call their school counselor
to find out if your child is still in school and any
other information the school might be able to provide.
- Go to the mall and other
places kids hang out. Distribute a flyer with your
child's picture and your contact information.
Am
I legally responsible for my child if he/she has runaway from home?
Yes. Even if your child has runaway from home, you are still legally
responsible for them until their 18th birthday.
How
can I keep my 13 or 14 year old away from older teens?
In reality it is almost impossible to keep young teens away from
older youth, but there are some things you an do to help keep your
teen out of trouble.
- Set aside time every week to
spend with your teen.
- Know your teens friends.
- Know where your teen is.
Ask them what they are doing and where they'll be.
- Get them involved with church
groups, sports, service organizations, and school clubs that provide
positive influences. Busy kids don't have as much time to
get into trouble.
Can
I drop my child off at Covenant House Alaska for a reality check?
While dropping your child off at a shelter might seem like a good
reality check for them, the truth is that it is almost always better
to keep them at home. This proves to your child that you are committed
to them and love them no matter what they do. It may also keep them
away from the influence of other rebellious youth.
Our best
advice for families in conflict is to get outside help in addressing
difficult issues. This will provide additional options for working
through your problems. Covenant House Alaska provides family mediation
services free of charge to families in need.
