The Youth Service Bureau of St.Joseph County is a service for 12-18 year olds that provides temporary emergency shelter for youth in St. Joseph County for teens who are runaways, homeless, victims of abuse or neglect, or need a “time out” from family tensions.
The goal is to provide temporary housing (normally 21 days or less) and to work with teens and families for reunification through counseling. This service will also transport students to school.
The Youth Service Bureau is located at 1322 Lincolnway East, South Bend. They also offer a Youth and Family Crisis Line, available 24/7, at 1-866-460-4616.
The following are “Safe Spaces”. The YSB will provide transportation from a safe space to the safe station runaway center.
- All Mishawaka-Penn-Harris libraries
- St. Joseph County Fire Stations
- St. Joseph County Burger Kings
- St. Joseph County Police Departments
- St. Joseph County Martins
- South Bend Kroc Center and YMCA
The outcomes that the Youth Service Bureau hopes for are:
- Safety: Students should be able to live free from violence, abuse, neglect, stalking, harassment, exploitation and fear.
- Permanent Connections: Students should have a stable living situation and form new connections with others and improve families for reunification through counseling.
- Well-Being: Access to treatment and care including mental and physical, social connectedness and enriching educational experiences.
- Self-sufficiency: Students should have and learn skills to live independently and support themselves.
Evan Swihart 
Nevaeh Derkis