Residential Services are a form of foster care placement for children whose needs cannot be met in a regular foster home setting. They are committed to improving the lives of children and families struggling with emotional and developmental challenges in the home, school, and community. The goal is to work with child(ren) and their parents so that families can be reunited, and the child(ren) can live successfully in the community at the end of their placement. Westchester County DSS contracts with various voluntary child care agencies that are certified by New York State, including:
Residential Treatment Centers, providing the highest level of care, usually consist of a campus containing cottages or dormitory-style settings with access to a social worker. The supervised child(ren) attend school and participate in recreational activities on campus. Services include family and individual counseling, substance abuse treatment, and casework counseling.
Group Homes, which are smaller and permit the child(ren) to have more access to the community, have social workers, but the child(ren) attend public schools, and participate in community based recreational activities.
Therapeutic Foster Homes allow the child(ren) to attend school in the community and experience a successful family life with foster parents who have specialized training enabling them to deal with special needs children.
For additional information regarding Residential Services, please call your local Social Service Center or call the program office at (914) 995-2232.
