Children in our programs may experience extreme stress from being separated from their families. At YCS, we understand the emotional and psychological toll this takes, which is why our compassionate staff works closely with children and, whenever possible, their families. The goal is to provide the child with a safe space to heal and develop skills for healthier emotional regulation and social behavior. Programs include a combination of therapeutic specialties: 

  • Strength-Based Clinical Treatment: Our clinical team assesses each child’s needs and creates an individualized, strength-based treatment plan. 
  • Medical & Psychiatric Services: Each child has access to ongoing psychiatric care, medication management, and routine health services to support their physical well-being and overall treatment progress. 
  • Allied Therapies: In addition to clinical services, we offer art therapy, pet therapy, horseback riding, fitness, and sports activities to help children relax and engage in positive experiences. 
  • Nurtured Heart Approach & Six Core Strategies: Staff members are trained to use these approaches to eliminate restraints, encourage wellness, and develop individualized calming techniques using sensory modulating tools. 

We are committed to providing the right level of care in the least restrictive environment possible, ensuring they receive the support they need while maintaining their connection to the community. Our programs are designed to help youth step down from higher levels of care to more independent settings as they progress in their treatment. 

YCS operates 19 DCF programs, offering a continuum of care that includes a range of specialized residential programs, each tailored to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents facing emotional, psychological, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Our goal is to stabilize, support, and transition youth toward greater independence and long-term success. 

The Intensity of Services provided include:  

  • RTC (Residential Treatment Centers): Provide temporary, home-like care for individuals with various emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges who cannot be maintained in the community. 
  • PCH (Psychiatric Community Homes): Serve children (ages 5-21) requiring additional psychiatric care after discharge from psychiatric inpatient units. These homes provide the support needed to help families adjust and prepare for their child’s return home. 
  • PCH-ID/DD (Psychiatric Community Home for Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities): Offers residential care for youth (ages 5-21) affected by acute intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health challenges. The focus is on stabilization and transition to a permanent home or community setting. 
  • SPEC (Specialized Community Homes): Designed for adolescents (ages 12-17) who face emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. These homes provide a safe, structured environment to support youth who need a higher level of care than can be provided in a traditional community setting. 
  • IRTS (Intensive Residential Treatment Services): Designed for adolescents (ages 11-18) who have had multiple psychiatric hospitalizations or residential placements. The focus is on stabilization to minimize re-hospitalization and facilitate transition to home or lower levels of care. 
  • CSAP (Crisis Stabilization and Assessment Programs): Short-term intensive treatment for adolescents (ages 6-15) with neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, or medical needs. This program focuses on stabilizing individuals and helping them transition back into the community.