YCS Kilbarchan serves up to 21 boys ages 12 to 17 years old, who because of their troubled situations, are unable to live in their natural or foster homes.  On average, residents receive between 18 and 24 months of care before either returning home or being placed into another more permanent living situation.

YCS Kilbarchan offers a safe environment where each teen's developmental needs are met,  opportunities for growth are promoted and plans to transition the child to the least restrictive setting possible are maintained.

Kilbarchan's therapeutic program is designed to help the residents cope with their troubles and  the pressures of the environments from which they come, while helping them develop the skills necessary for their future roles as productive, self-sustaining citizens.

From the day of a teen's admission, our staff of therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, nurses and other child care professionals begin treating the adolescent in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.

The teens not only learn about controlling their own behaviors but also participate in educational, life skills, and recreational programs whenever possible.

The majority of teens attend the YCS Fort Lee Education Center, while others attend local schools or other appropriate educational programs.

While residing here, the teens have many positive experiences, which may include:

• Putting together talent shows
• On-site work program
• Unit peer sessions
• Or attending community programs, for specialized groups or recreation

Common areas in the building give the teens the needed space to interact with each other and the staff. The building is split into three floors and several wings, each with its own living room area. The recreation room provides the perfect setting for teens to relax.

Like in any family, house rules are maintained.  Respecting one another and each other's property, cleaning up after one's self, and using appropriate language are a few important examples.

Referrals to the program come directly from Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) and through the Kid Connection network.

Kilbarchan, the oldest continuously-operated residential facility for children in need in the United States, is now a member of the YCS family.

Kilbarchan was established as an orphanage in 1831 and incorporated in 1864 by a special act of the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly. 

At the turn of the 20th Century, industrialists in the burgeoning Greater Paterson area raised funds to construct the facility, located on a portion of the famed John Edwards Barbour Estate and named after the ancestral home of the Barbours of Scotland.

While rich in tradition, Kilbarchan has expanded its scope well beyond those of an orphanage.  Now owned by YCS, Kilbarchan serves the needs of adolescents by providing a full range of services that address all areas of each boy's life.

The staff is dedicated to preserving Kilbarchan's rich history of providing individualized, structured programs and a constantly improving quality of service to the adolescents in their care.

Paterson, NJ 07514

Children are in YCS care 24 hours per day for the length of their stay.

Admissions are usually accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.