The Overnight Emergency Program (OEP) is open 24/7 and provides a safe place for children who come from an abusive home situation. MARYGROVE provides these children with a safe environment overnight or through the weekend. OEP serves more children (259 in FY 2009-2010) than any other program at MARYGROVE.
OEP serves children and adolescents, ages birth to 19, from at-risk situations and who need a safe place to stay. Children who come to OEP are brought to MARYGROVE by a police officer or a state social worker. The children remain in care until a suitable placement is determined.
While in care, the children receive food, clothing, counseling, physical and sex abuse screening, medical care and treatment. This is often the first time in a long time that these children have been able to enjoy the comforts of a safe and caring environment. If the child requires a longer stay, he or she can be part of the emergency day program and receive educational and recreational services.
The Overnight Emergency Program is a preventative program for recognizing and preventing child abuse and family violence. The children stay until a determination is made about the suitability of their current living conditions.
The Kid’s Care Crisis Nursery on campus was opened in 2003. The program provides a respite for families who feel that their child is at risk for abuse or neglect. Clearly filling a community need, the program offers at-risk children, between birth and 17, services seven days a week.
Children admitted to the Crisis Nursery are provided with food, shelter, clothing and personal care. With assistance from the Kid’s Care staff, the family in crisis is educated on their crisis situation and they learn new ways to handle emergencies. Follow-up services are available to the parents or caregivers to ensure a positive outcome after discharge.
While in our care, children and adolescents in the Day and Overnight Emergency programs and Kids Care Crisis Nursery work with staff on a safety plan. The plan includes helpful information for the kids protection as well as information about a “safe person” in their lives.
In 2010 we began receiving homeless children from St. Louis County into our crisis program. We help them access community resources to become more self sufficient individuals. Together these Programs have 14 available beds.
