Out of home placements

A youth may be placed out of the home when it is determined by the Court that residing in the home is either unsafe or not in the youth’s best interests.  A youth may be placed outside the home when the youth struggles with a variety of issues, including family dynamics, and returning the youth home may be more detrimental for them and their rehabilitation. If a youth has a responsible adult in their life who can support the youth and provide housing, it is possible to avoid an out-of-home placement. 

Currently, there are limited placement options in Santa Clara County, so youth who have placement orders may be transported to and reside at an out of county residential facility.

The type and duration of an out-of-home placement depends on the youth’s needs.  Most youth are placed in a Short Term Residential Treatment Program (STRTP), where the youth receive specialized services based on their particular needs. For example, a youth who struggles with severe substance use may be placed at a residential facility with intensive substance use treatment, and a youth who needs sexual behavioral therapy may be placed at a residential facility focused primarily on sexual behavior counseling.