Community-based Group Homes
St. Cabrini Home operates group homes in residential neighborhoods in Dutchess and Orange counties in New York State serving a total of 52 youngsters in seven group homes. St. Cabrini group homes offer structured residential living arrangements for boys and girls in a family like atmosphere while providing them the opportunity to live, attend school, and work in a community setting.
A typical group home residence
Group home residents enjoy
many field trips and outings,
both educational and social
Most bedrooms are single or
double rooms, and each resident
has his or her own personal space
St. Cabrini group homes serve adolescent boys and girls, ages 12-21, who have social and/or emotional problems. Many have family difficulties, parent-child conflicts, or have suffered from neglect or abuse. Our group homes service youngsters who do not require the intense structure of a residential placement but who are not ready to or are unable to live with family or on their own.
St. Cabrini Home's group home program provides treatment to boys and girls who are ready to handle semi-independent living in a structured and supervised environment. Our goal is to give residents the stability, security, and normalcy of a home-like setting while providing therapeutic interventions that will help residents address behavioral problems. Group home residents attend local public high schools, local colleges, or vocational training programs to fit their needs. Residents are given the option of participating in sports and other school sponsored activities as members of their school community.
St. Cabrini Home operates seven group homes located in Dutchess and Orange counties. All are single-family homes located in typical residential areas. Each group home serves between six and eight youngsters and is staffed by a house manager and direct care workers 24 hours a day. Our group homes are designed to be safe, secure, and feel like home for all our residents.
Residents of St. Cabrini Home's group homes attend public high schools in the community. Residents who have graduated or have received their GED are required to attend college or trade school, work, or perform volunteer work. All residents are encouraged to take advantage of their school's or college's extracurricular activities, events, and outings. Tutoring may be available in the group home for residents who need extra help with their school work.
Independent Living Skill Building:
Since the next step for many of our group home residents is to live on their own, our programs operate as working models of practical experience for living. All residents share in the responsibilities of the household, taking part in housecleaning, laundry, cooking, and other chores. Qualified residents also receive independent living skills training within the group home on topics such as personal finance, household budgeting, job hunting, etc. Residents are encouraged to seek out and are rewarded for taking full advantage of their community setting. Many residents hold after-school and summer jobs in their neighborhoods or volunteer at local agencies.
The group home programs help residents develop social skills and cooperation through ongoing recreational and educational activities including trips to cultural sites, theaters, parks, and local attractions. Group home staff maintain full schedules of events and other activities from which residents may choose to participate. Residents are also rewarded for seeking out their own activities and developing their own interests.
St. Cabrini Home accepts referrals to its group home program from NYS Office of Children and Family Services and NYS Departments of Social Services. Parents interested in having their child enroll in St. Cabrini Home's group home program should contact their New York State county Department of Social Services or their child's school guidance counselor for assistance. Referral agencies may contact the Program Director at 845-384-6390 or by email at ghisatake@cabrinihome.com.
Referrals packets should contain:
- Probation records, Family Assessment Service Plans, diagnostic evaluations, psychiatric and psychological evaluations and diagnoses, cognitive testing results
- Social history
- Record of placements including detention, foster homes, group homes, rehab centers, hospitalizations, and other residential care programs
- Medical records, including immunizations and medical history, and any ongoing medical conditions
- Substance abuse evaluations, if available
- Insurance information
- School records such as IEP's, transcripts, and report cards
