A program designed to provide emergency and transitional shelter for homeless youth will receive state tax credits through the Youth Opportunities Program. ReStart's transitional program also provides youth with a stable and healthy environment in which teens are encouraged to complete their education and overcome violence to become productive members of society. At the emergency shelter, teens receive counseling and any necessary medical treatment. The program's transitional shelters are designed to provide youth with additional time and resources to rebuild their lives. All participants are required to attend school, participate in the in-house classroom, or receive vocational training.
Case managers work with teens to plan for the future by completing their education or finding jobs.
Basic life skills such as developing a personal budget and cooking are also taught. The Youth Opportunities Program is part of DED's Community Development Group. The program is designed to broaden and strengthen opportunities for positive development in community life for youth, and to discourage such persons from engaging in criminal and violent behavior. Through YOP, contributors to approved projects can receive tax credits of up to 50 percent of the value of their donation, in essence allowing donors to redirect their tax dollars to support local efforts. Approval of these tax credits is contingent upon completion of contracts set forth by the YOP program.