Older Youth shall not exit to homelessness.  Housing must be secured prior to release.

When Older Youth experience homelessness or are at risk for homelessness the Coordinated Entry System (CES) should be accessed to connect them to housing services. The CES is Missouri’s primary resource to connect people to housing services no matter how or where they present.  This resource allows staff to connect youth and families to Missouri’s array of housing services with one referral to an Access Point.   A listing of Coordinated Entry Access Points by region and county can be found HERE.  All Access Point agencies will complete a pre-screening tool with clients and connect them with the appropriate level of housing services. 

A referral to the CES may be made at any point of involvement with CD when housing stability is a challenge. Population served includes, but is not limited to intact families, birth parents, potential relative placement providers, guardians, and older youth. 

Older Youth Scenarios where CES referral MUST be made include the following:

Older Youth preparing to exit care to independence and housing stability is at risk. 
All referrals and activities involving the CES shall be documented in a contact note in FACES. 

Related Practice Alerts and Memos:

2-10-20 – CD20-11 – Independent Living Arrangements

5-28-20 – CD20-17 – Housing Services and Coordinated Entry System