The University of Tennessee Health Science Center UTHSC) opened its new Youth Advocacy Center on August 30.

Located at 66 North Pauline Street, Suite 233, on the UTHSC campus, the center is collaboration between the Shelby County Government Division of Community Services and UTHSC.

The center will provide support and community-based resources for at-risk and justice-involved youth, ages 12-17, and their families by providing trauma-informed screenings, individualized recommendations for referrals to community-based behavioral and trauma-related services, and follow-up. The center is voluntary, restraint-free, trauma-informed, family-centered, and independent from the juvenile court. Referrals can be made by the youth, parents, law enforcement, schools, and community members.