Shelter Care
Supporting Children and Families in Crisis
Our doors are always open to children in crisis.
Watson has 24 beds across two different shelter locations in Missoula. We serve an overage of over 100 kids a year.
Often, the children who arrive in the care of Watson have endured trauma from physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Other times, a family crisis leaves them with nowhere else to turn. Whatever brings children through our doors, children receive the highest quality of care at Watson. For instance, we ensure our daytime staff-to-child ratio is 1:4, even though state licensing boards only require a 1:8 ratio. We pack our shelter summer program full of fun excursions across Montana and go above-and-beyond for our kids to have a magical holiday season filled with presents and joy. We do all of this, and so much more, for one simple reason: Our children deserve a time in shelter that mirrors a normal childhood as closely as possible.
Placement
Watson Children’s Shelter accepts referrals from Child and Family Services, Tribal Social Services, and mental health centers. We can accept children into our shelters from anywhere in the state of Montana. Call (406) 549-0058 to inquire about placing a child in our care. We accept phone calls 24/7.
Shelter care placements range from a few hours to an average of 138 days.
Criteria for Admission:
• 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.
• Experiencing moderate to severe emotional or behavioral needs.
Application: To refer a child in crisis, a phone referral is essential. Please call our program staff at the number below. 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
From the moment a child arrives at one of Watson’s two shelters, they are welcomed into a safe haven to call home.
Thanks to the generous and vital support of our donors in Missoula and all across the state of Montana, we are able to offer children a fresh start from a truly foundation level. Many children arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing. All children get a complete wardrobe, shoes, other essentials, and of course, toys. Each child has a bedroom to call their own. Watson serves them nutritious and delicious meals cooked by our chef extraordinaire Kitchen Manager, Anna. Each child is connected with medical, dental, optical, therapeutic providers. They continue to attend the same school if they are from Missoula or are enrolled into a local school. Our beautiful shelters have backyards complete with playgrounds, bicycles, and plenty of space to run around and play.
The sum total of the care we provide is that Watson is a safe space where our kids can simply be kids.
Public dollars only cover 45% of our operating budget, so we will always need the support of private donors. Help us be able to provide the outstanding standard of care to which we hold ourselves.
To truly make a difference in life of our children, please consider donating to Watson. Whether a recurring donation or a one time gift, every dollar truly counts. Your support helps us provide so many dimensions of comprehensive care to children in crisis. From very rudimentary needs, such as our electricity bills or performing building maintenance, all the way across the spectrum to joyous field trips to destinations like Splash Montana, a Grizz Game, or Glacier National Park, we need the support of donors like you.
We are just so grateful for the continued and generous support of the Missoula community and donors all throughout Montana. Words fail in expressing our gratitude, so we’ll keep it short and sweet: Thank you.