Covenant House Guatemala

Residential Programs

The objective of the residential program is to protect those who have spent their childhoods on the street in order to rehabilitate them as responsible members of society. This is accomplished by fortifying their sense of identity and individuality, helping them to develop their potential and sense of stability, and by removing them from the dangers of drug addiction.

Boys' Community

The Boys' Community is found in an area of Guatemala called "Sácatepequez," more specifically in "Magdalena Milpas Altas" - a place with a cool, agreeable climate surrounded by mountains, trees, and countryside.

When they arrive, the boys receive clean clothes, food, and a safe place to sleep so that they may recuperate their strength and begin their integration into the community. The community's routine is designed to alleviate the acute effects of withdrawal while also strengthening the will to abandon drugs and the street.
The Boys' Community houses up to 80 residents who are:

• 12-18 years of age
• Considered to be at risk, vulnerable, and living on the streets
• Voluntarily seeing admittance into the program
• In need of any kind of psychiatric help - there are no limitations on psychiatric conditions

Girls' Community

Every day, girls from throughout the capital city arrive after initial contact was made by the Street Outreach team. These girls are discovered living on the street, unprotected and abandoned, and vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
The Girls' Community houses up to 40 residents who are:

• 12-18 years of age
• Considered to be at risk, vulnerable, and living on the streets
• Voluntarily seeing admittance into the program
• In need of any kind of psychiatric help - there are no limitations on psychiatric conditions

Young Mothers' Community

The staff at Casa Alianza Guatemala often see young mothers who lack the support of a partner or family and have made the decision to ask for help to embark on this new stage in their lives. Casa Alianza Guatemala also takes in young women who have survived the difficult experience of being sexually abused by a family member, friend, or stranger and who decide to have their baby but cannot rely on family. Staff members also work with girls referred from other institutions, such as the courts, who require provisional shelter until their difficulties or problems with their children can be resolved.
The Young Mothers' Community houses up to 30 girls (and 25 babies) who are:

• 12-22 years of age
• Considered to be at risk, vulnerable, and living on the streets
• Voluntarily seeking admittance to the program
• In need of any kind of psychiatric help - there are no limitations on psychiatric conditions

Family Reunification

This program is designed to reunite children with their families and provide the support they need to be reintegrated into society. Family Reunification staff members work directly with families, coordinate self-help groups, and offer job- and life-skills training. The Family Reunification program begins by collecting information that will shape an integrated reunification plan for each child. Children in particularly difficult circumstances also are cared for even if they cannot join one of the communities. A specific program is available for those struggling with drug addictions. Youth who have graduated from a residential program continue to receive assistance to promote their ability to live independently. Young people for whom family reunification is not possible are given the tools they need to live independently. When family reunification is possible, the program provides the support the families need to make this transition.

Risk Prevention Program

This program attends to children and young people who are at risk of suffering the difficulties endemic to Street Youth such as sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, drug addiction, chronic homelessness, gang involvement, run-ins with the law, and malnutrition.

Spiritual Program

Residents are offered spiritual guidance and teaching that they can incorporate into their daily lives. Residents find that these spiritual resources provide a solid foundation for their rehabilitation and contribute to their ability to face the future with confidence.

Legal Aid and Advocacy Program

The Legal Aid and Advocacy Program of Casa Alianza promotes and defends the rights of children, young people, and young mothers. This program:

• Investigates and brings attention to violence against children
• Reaches out to sexually and commercially exploited children and those who are trafficked across borders
• Collaborates with government and other non-profits to pursue and prosecute perpetrators
• Advocates for laws protecting children's rights
• Fights illegal adoptions
• Helps youth obtain identification papers
• Provides training to other agencies, police, schools, etc. on children's rights
• Educates children about their rights

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