Southwest Key Programs

For more than 20 years, Southwest Key Programs has been an integral partner in the u.s. Response to the immigration crisis at our southern border, sheltering immigrant children under 18 years of age who arrive in this country without a parent or guardian and unifying them with their parents, relatives, or a sponsor. Southwest Key's unaccompanied minor (um) shelters are part of a federal shelter system that was created as a result of the 1997 flores settlement agreement. Our um shelters are funded by the department of health and human services. 87% of the children in our shelters in 2021-2021 came from the northern triangle of central america, which includes guatemala, honduras, and el salvador. Most of the children were male, between the ages of 15-17, fleeing threats of gang violence in their home countries. Others were escaping poverty, searching for refuge after natural disasters, or seeking unification with family members already in the u.s. Within 24 hours of a child's arrival at a Southwest Key facility, our case managers begin working on the process of unification. First, we contact the child's family in his or her home country and then reach out to the child's contacts and prospective sponsors in the u.s. While potential sponsors are screened, Southwest Key provides children with care that allows them to thrive in a safe, home-like, and nurturing environment. Within 48 hours of entering our facilities, all children receive full medical examinations. They are also screened for infectious diseases and receive all cdc-recommended immunizations. Southwest Key medical staff provide basic medical care 24 hours a day. Children who require examinations by specialists or hospital care are transported to the appropriate medical facilities. In addition to unification, medical and counseling services, children have access to legal services, religious services, acculturation services, phone calls, mail supplies, and postage. We also provide personal grooming and hygiene services, such as haircuts, laundry, and housekeeping. Youth can connect with sponsors or family members via phone and video calls to build and maintain relationships while in our care. Our Programs are developed to provide children the necessary resources to thrive while in our care. Education is vitally important, so we provide six hours of classroom education five days a week. We also understand how important recreation, and physical activity is to all children, so they are given ample time to play and relax outside. Where possible, we provide opportunities for arts, crafts, music, entertainment, and special events. Southwest Key's in-house cooks provide three nutritious meals and two snacks every day. 9/1/2021 to 8/31/2022um children served 44,616um employees 9,329um Programs 31

Southwest Key's youth and family services Programs are based on the core principle that positive change can happen though therapeutic, educational and community-based Programs. Our services are shaped by evidence-based practices and youth agency, accomplished through staff raised in the communities we serve. By providing alternatives to children who are involved in the court system, youth and family services enables them to stay at home with their families and stay involved in their communities. Through youth and family services, young men and women are provided with structure and services that promote positive behaviors and experiences. Our case workers partner with families to address individual, family and social issues, such as helping with the transition back home from a correctional facility or institution, assisting parents with employment and childcare, and working with school staff to meet academic or personal needs. Our Programs track the progress youth are making while holding them accountable for their actions. These components work together to set the foundation for success, now and tomorrow.our staff partner with youth, families and community partners to address individual, family and social issues, such as helping with the transition back home from a correctional facility or institution, assisting parents to support their children by connecting them to other community-based partners, natural supports and other family members to assist with meeting basic needs, and empowering youth to reach goals to better their current situation. In addition, we provide education for youth who have been expelled from their home campuses. Our staff work with students to help them meet academic or personal goals. Youth and family services offers education, case management, youth development, monitoring, and behavioral health services in a variety of settings with the goal of keeping youth and families together, in their communities and schools. 9/1/2021 to 8/31/2022yfs children served 4,143yfs employees 165yfs Programs 36 9/1/2021 to 8/31/2022total children served 48,759total employees 9,494total Programs 67