Shelter Care
A safe haven for children in crisis.
Children, age infant to 14 years old, are brought to Watson Children’s Shelter for many reasons.
Often they have experienced trauma due to physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, or family crisis with nowhere else to go. They typically are brought to us by social workers anytime, day or night.
They are often scared, angry, defiant or withdrawn when they arrive. Our immediate focus is to make them feel safe and nurtured, to give them something they haven’t had — normalcy. At Watson, kids attend school regularly, do chores, go on field trips, celebrate birthday parties, eat nutritionally balanced meals together and are taught responsibility, all while under the supervision of our highly trained staff.
Although the stories of what brought children through the doors of Watson Children’s Shelter are shocking, their resilience is truly inspirational. It is such a pleasure to see the way they smile while being read to, sing to a baby doll, eagerly climb steps to the top of the slide, or sit happily drawing a picture. Despite all that they’ve been through and seen, they are children, and they have hope.
From the moment a child steps through our door, they are welcomed into a safe, nurturing, comfortable home.
Each child receives a handmade blanket and stuffed animal of their very own to snuggle with. They are introduced to other children, given a tour of the home and shown their new bedroom. The shelter is filled with books, toys, games and comfortable furnishings. Our dedicated staff seeks to meet each child’s specific needs and ensures that every child receives the support, nurturing and respect they deserve.
Our two shelters are designed to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for children. Some have never had a bedroom, never eaten a true family meal, and never had toys or art supplies. Many children arrive at the shelter without shoes, proper clothing, often with poor health and hygiene. Thanks to the generous support of our community, we are able to provide children with a complete wardrobe, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials. We provide them with nourishing meals and everything they need to experience and enjoy childhood. They have their own beds, a place for their belongings, rooms for play, crafts, dining and learning. Each child is connected to medical, dental, optical, therapeutic and educational resources in our community. This includes a visit to the dentist, as many children have never received dental care. They continue to attend the same school if they are from Missoula or are enrolled into a local school. Our beautiful shelters have backyards with playgrounds, bicycles, and space to run and play. Most importantly, Watson Children’s Shelter provides a safe place to be a child.
Every child who walks through our door experiences support from a caring, professional staff, in a safe, structured and friendly homelike environment.
Some of the experiences that the children may take away with them when they leave Watson Children’s Shelter include swimming lessons, attending Grizzly football and basketball games, having fun at Splash Montana and Currents, attending MCT musicals, riding the Carousel for Missoula, hiking and camping trips, trips to museums, bowling, and going to the movies.
Watson Children’s Shelter Alumni Scholarship Fund
A special donor has helped us set up the WCS Alumni Scholarship Fund to assist former residents with post high school education needs. Qualified applicants must be 16 years or older, have resided at WCS for 24 hours or more, have completed a GED or received a high school diploma, and show need for assistance towards a higher educational need, such as college or trade school.
Placement
Referrals are accepted from Child and Family Services, Tribal Social Services, and mental health centers. Watson Children’s Shelter (WCS) has two homes accepting placements from anywhere in the state of Montana. Call (406) 549-0058 – 24 hours a day to inquire about placing a child in our care.
Program: Both WCS homes welcome children ages infant to 14, in need of emergency and transitional care. Shelter care placements range from a few hours to an average of 60 days, depending on the need. Both homes are beautifully designed and provide a safe, welcoming, homelike atmosphere.
Criteria for Admission: Children who are appropriate for shelter care are
• Children ages infant to age 14
• Under the jurisdiction of the Child Protective Services, the Youth Court System, or the parents’ custody
• Abused, neglected or in a family crisis
• Moderately or severely emotionally disturbed
Application: To refer a child in crisis, a phone referral to the program staff is necessary and must include information regarding the child and plans to address the crisis. Intake forms will be provided to the placing agent to complete.
Contact: (406) 549-0058 info@shelter4children.com
Watson Children’s Shelter Locations
Buckhouse Shelter (administrative offices, mailing address, donation drop-off): 4978 Buckhouse Lane, Missoula, MT 59804
Fort Missoula Shelter: 2901 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804