Emergency Youth Shelter

Our Mission is to serve Native youth with temporary placement between being removed from their homes and placed in foster care.

The Fort Sill Apache Youth Shelter is the only 24-hour licensed Native youth shelter in Southwest Oklahoma. To provide emergency housing on temporary basis for any Indian youth from birth through 18 years of age. The Fort Sill Apache Tribe Emergency Youth Shelter shall focus on the physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of Indian youth who are struggling with family and/or social problems. We are here to provide an environment free from harm in a warm, nurturing atmosphere. We are licensed by the State of Oklahoma, Department of Human Services Licensure Division. We are also inspected by IHS Health Division, and the State Fire Marshall.

Eligibility, Guidelines, and/or Requirements:

Our primary mission is to serve Native youth; however, we cannot discriminate by race.

• We accept all races of children with our ages being accepted birth to their 18th birthday. If a child turns 18 in our care and turns themselves back into custody, we can keep that child until placement is found. However, we cannot take a child after they turn 18.
• Children are accepted in this priority; first Fort Sill Apache children, second other Native youth in ICW custody, thirdly other Native youth, fourthly other races of children.
• Respite care for Tribal members and for foster parents that have tribal members in their placement. Respite care is not a babysitting service. It is to provide care in emergency situations for Tribal members.
• Respite care is also provided for parents that are experiencing problems with their child and need a break.
• Respite care usually does not go beyond 72 hours. There is an exception to this decided on a case-by-case basis.
• Respite care can also be given to non-Tribal members. This is decided on a case-by-case basis.