Spectrum’s Youth Co-Op, located on Murray Street in Burlington, is a community-based housing program for 6 male youth who are between 16 and 18 years old and who are in the custody of the state of Vermont's Department of Children and Families (DCF). 

Typically, these youth are transitioning out of foster care, juvenile detention, residential programs like drug and alcohol treatment centers, and other restricted educational settings for youth with behavioral problems.  Spectrum staff work collaboratively with the youth's DCF Case Managers, family members/guardians and other providers to coordinate the plans of care and transitional living goals.

Youth are expected to be engaged in, and working on, the goals outlined in their plans of care which include treatment for mental health and/or substance abuse issues, educational, vocational and life skills.  Youth who are successful in this program also have the opportunity to move to the SRO for long-term continuation of housing and services.  In the event that the SRO is not appropriate, other long-term housing options are developed.

In 2009, 16 youth residents were served at the Co-Op.