The Children's Shelter and Assessment Center represents a collaborative partnership with our agency, the Department of Children's Services (DCS) and the Knox County Juvenile Court. The Children's Emergency Shelter houses children, birth to 17, for up to 10 days following removal from the home in cases of abandonment, abuse or neglect. During this time the DCS caseworker and the court investigate allegations of abuse and try to locate viable relatives for placement of the children in
Our objective is to provide each child with a sense of safety and self-worth through consistent affirmation and security. Children often come to us with nothing but the clothing on their backs; we provide clothing, meals, hygiene needs, counseling, and transportation. Most importantly, each child is given a safe and secure environment where they will be cared for and given an opportunity to gain information and speak on their own behalf.
Columbus Home Children's Emergency Shelter is the only children's shelter serving the non-custodial population, birth to age 12 in Knox County and in all of central East Tennessee. We are currently one of two that serves ages 12-17 in Knox County. Begun in July 2006 at the urgent request of Knox County Juvenile Court, we temporarily share space with another Catholic Charities residential program while a permanent location for our program is secured.
Columbus Home Children's EmergencyShelter
3009 Lake Boulevard, Knoxville, Tennessee
(865) 544-0578 ext. 110
an effort to avoid the need for state custody. Based on the intake interviews, self-reports and observations, Shelter staff report to the court regarding the physical, mental, and educational status of the child and make recommendations as to future placement. It is our mission to provide the courts and DCS a comprehensive picture of the child in question, making the investigation and placement process more effective and appropriate.
