Epworth Programs
Residential Treatment Program
This program is for children, ages 11 to 18, who are experiencing an emotional, mental or behavioral crisis, but are not considered an immediate danger to themselves or others. The boys and girls reside at Epworth and receive 24-hour structured supervision, therapy, recreational opportunities, medical care, and spiritual support.
Intensive Treatment Services Program
This program is for children, ages 11 to 18, who are experiencing a severe emotional, mental or behavioral crisis and may be an immediate danger to themselves or others. While most of the children served in this program are in the state's custody, others are from families in our community. The boys and girls reside at Epworth in secure intensive treatment units with highly structured 24 hour supervision and nursing care.
Foster Care
In conjunction with other social service agencies, Epworth provides training and assessment for individuals, couples and families who have room in their homes and lives for a child in need. Epworth foster families are licensed through the Children’s Division and receive financial assistance, on going training and support from staff.
Family Focus Program
Family Focus is an innovative program designed to reunite and strengthen fractured families. During this nine month program, youth gradually transition from residing at Epworth to living back in their homes with their families. In addition to receiving the services of Epworth's residential program, children and their families also receive in-home family therapy, parenting education, case management, psychiatric care, respite care, material funds and aftercare services.
Epworth School
Epworth provides special education services for adolescents, ages 7 to 21, who have been diagnosed with severe learning disabilities, emotional disorders and/or behavioral disorders through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process. Epworth's progressive school program integrates intensive therapy services with academic studies, vocational training, small classes, and life skills development to prevent educational failure, help adolescents successfully return to their community schools whenever possible, earn high school credits, and graduate from high school or complete their General Education Degree (GED).
Independent Living Program
The Independent Living Program provides supportive services for youth, ages 17 to 21, who are ready to live in their own apartment but need additional skills, supervision, emotional support, and financial assistance to ensure success. Supports are gradually reduced as youth learn to successfully live self-sufficiently in the community.
Transitional Living Program
The Transitional Living Program provides housing, 24-hour supervision, access to therapy, independent living skills training, and supportive services for youth, ages 16 to 21, who are not quite ready to live on their own and who lack adequate family involvement. Epworth teaches and supports youth so that they may achieve their educational, vocational, and independent living goals.
Youth Emergency Service (YES)
The Youth Emergency Service Program is Epworth's crisis care program and emergency shelter. Short-term housing and therapeutic support are provided for young people who need an immediate safe place to live because of abuse, neglect, homelessness or family conflict. YES is open 24/7 year around and can be reached through an emergency Helpline 24 hours daily, 365 days a year, to assist families and teens in crisis. The Helpline phone number is: 314.727.6294.
Aging Out
In an effort to provide continuous resources services to youth aging out of the foster care system, the Aging Out Initiative was developed to serve youth aged 16-21. Funded by nine local and national organizations, the program will serve up to 200 youth in state custody over a three-year period. Children learn to advocate for themselves in court, with employers and in business relationships. They also obtain a high school diploma or GED and they have peer advisors who help them set educational, financial and personal goals. Staff hope to assist youth leaving foster care to become strong, self-sufficient adults.