Misleading article
In the article of Oct. 12, entitled "Glory Hole to create homeless teen shelter," it states that "Teen homeless is mostly rooted in family dysfunction, and we have no treatment for family dysfunction in Juneau." This is far from the truth. Juneau Youth Services has a Family Mental Health Center which deals with youth and family mental health issues up to and including psychiatric needs. Juneau Youth Services also has an emergency shelter, which is staffed with a mental health clinician, who deals with families on an emergency and ongoing basis.
Juneau Youth Services also has a mobile crisis unit that is on the streets most nights to deal with youth who are in need of services. This service can, and has, referred many youth to a safe place at our emergency shelter and followed up with family mediation or therapy. In addition, there are many private therapists in Juneau who deal with family issues.
Juneau is fortunate to have these services supported by city, state and federal funding. I want not only to set the record straight, but also to thank the staff who have helped thousands of Juneau families in their time of need.
Chuck Bennett
Executive Director
Juneau Youth Services, Inc.