The state Department of Human Services has opened its third Ke Kama Pono ("Children of Promise") safehouse for troubled teenagers.

Ke Kama Pono is a residential program for at-risk youth that provides an alternative to the Hawai'i Youth Correctional Facility on O'ahu. The new group home in Wailuku will house up to eight teens ages 13 to 17 who have been involved in minor nonviolent offenses such as truancy or running away from home.

The program provides a supportive and highly structured environment for youths who are referred to Ke Kama Pono by the Family Court, the Department of Human Services and Office of Youth Services.

The first safehouse opened in 2005 in Honoka'a on the Big Island and the second opened earlier this month in Captain Cook. A fourth home set to open May 8 at Kalaeloa on O'ahu will house 12 boys.

The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services operates the Ke Kama Pono homes on the Big Island and Maui under a contract with the Office of Youth Services. Partners In Development Foundation is contracted to operate the O'ahu safehouse.