THE RELATIVES IS THE ONLY PROGRAM IN THE COUNTY GIVING RUNAWAYS, THROWAWAYS, AND OTHER YOUTH IN CRISIS DIRECT ACCESS TO SERVICES 24 HOURS A DAY. IT COUNSELS CHILDREN AND PARENTS BY PHONE AND ON A WALK-IN BASIS AND ATTEMPTS TO ALLEVIATE THE IMMEDIATE CRISIS AND TO PREPARE YOUTH TO RETURN HOME OR TO A RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENT. RESIDENTS ARE TAUGHT SELF-RESPONSIBILITY AND LIFE SKILLS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS ARE GIVEN CONSTRUCTIVE INFORMATION ON HOW TO RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS. FUNDED LARGELY BY A FEDERAL GRANT, THE RELATIVES IS LICENSED AS A PRIVATE GROUP HOME. THE GOAL OF THE HOME IS TO OFFER A RESPONSIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO DETENTION OR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. SERVICES OF THE HOME ARE DESCRIBED AND ITS APPROACH OUTLINED (TO HELP RESIDENTS IDENTIFY AREAS OF IRRESPONSIBILITY IN THEIR LIVES, ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY IN CHOICE OF OPTIONS AND BEGIN TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION WHICH BROUGHT THEM TO THE HOME). THE BOOKLET DISCUSSES RESIDENT RULES AND EXPECTATIONS, LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES, AND INTERNAL STAFF STRUCTURE. JOB DESCRIPTION SHEETS ARE INCLUDED. A DESCRIPTION OF THE FOLLOWUP PROGRAM INCLUDES REFERRALS, EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM, RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES, AND FOLLOWUP ACTIVITIES. THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS IMPROVE THEIR HOME SITUATIONS OR OBTAIN RESPONSIBLE PLACEMENTS OR ALTERNATIVES TO THE STREET.