Youth Haven

Youth Haven in Naples, Florida supports children and teenagers who have been abused and neglected in Southwest Florida. Their dedicated team of professionals provides a safe haven for youth, as a way to help families affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

Addressing the Needs of Children Impacted by Addiction

Youth Haven first opened their doors in 1972 to children ages 6 to 18. They have a foster care group home, homeless teen group home, homeless teen transitional living program and an enrichment program to help children learn how to trust and play again.

I'm impressed that they work with children who have been affected by parental or caregiver substance use and abuse, noting that it is one of the primary reasons that children are removed from the home and enter the foster care system. Parental substance use often results in an inability to care for the child and provide inadequate supervision, but this facility gives those kids a safe place to go.

Healing Children with Evidence Based and Trauma Informed Treatment

This organization recognizes that Florida ranks as the third highest state in the nation with the number of children in foster care. They provide an environment of therapeutic healing for children using evidence based and trauma informed care through a range of therapeutic services. The goal is to prepare their residents for permanent placement using holistic approaches to creating stronger mental and behavioral health.

These approaches include art therapy, community outings, counseling and life skills classes. This therapeutic approach reduces the risk that the children will engage in alcohol or substance abuse in the future.

I like that the program is on a secluded campus where the children can feel safe and secure with ample opportunities for play. They are a non profit organization that accepts contributions to help provide care to neglected teens and children in Southwest Florida.