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Residential Services

Northern Rivers’ Residential Services meet the qualifications for
QRTP and Families First regulations.

Northern Rivers Family of Services offers a continuum of residential programs administered by Northeast Parent & Child Society and Parsons Child & Family Center with several locations throughout Albany and Schenectady. All of the facilities are certified by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and are licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and/or the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH). All residential programs provide trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and evidenced-informed practice.

Short-Term Services for Ages 4–12

For children ages 4–12, Schaffer Children’s Shelter in Schenectady is an OCFS-licensed short-term residential program that provides crisis stabilization, comprehensive diagnostic services, and crisis respite with an emphasis on creating a plan for success for the child and family.

Short- and Long-Term Residential Programs for Ages 12–21

Northern River's offers two OCFS-licensed programs:

  • Academy Place, serving ages 10–18, is an agency-owned boarding home (AOBH) in Albany
  • Schenectady Residence, serving ages 12–18, is a residential treatment center (RTC), Schenectady

Our residential programs provide:

  • Diagnostic services for youth
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Services for sexual problem behavior and fire-setting histories
  • Permanency and family finding work

Residential Treatment Facility (RTF)

Subclass hospital-level care provided to youth ages 12–18. Youth in this program are provided high family engagement and wraparound treatment planning and services. Entry to this program is through the OMH Preadmission Certification Committee (PACC).

Group Homes and Community Residence

We have group homes that provide a coeducational living environment for youth with a focus on life and vocational skills along with a transitional component for those looking to return home or move on to independent living.

  • Miriam House, ages 12–17 (OMH), Albany
  • New Scotland and Delaware group homes, ages 14–21 (OCFS), Albany
  • Zoller group home, ages 14–21 (OCFS), Schenectady

The Northern Rivers Difference

We’re here to work with you to identify the right Northern Rivers residential environment to help any youth find success. While each residence is different, they’re all staffed by knowledgeable, caring professionals who specialize in trauma-informed care and are invested in each youth’s journey. We believe that every youth in our care deserves a rich, full experience. That’s why we ensure that every one of our residents receives the following.

Education.  Whether one of our 853 special education schools, public school, vocational programs, or higher education is appropriate, each resident has a customized educational plan with wraparound support.

Medical care. Many residential sites have on-site medical care, and all youth have access to psychological, nursing, medication management, and physical health services.

Recreation. We offer a full range of therapeutic recreational activities inside our residences and out in the community. From intramural clubs to trips to sporting events, museums, and concerts, we allow every youth to broaden their horizons and nurture their passions.

Community involvement and volunteerism. We reinforce the importance of citizenship, and we encourage our residents to get involved with a wide variety of community and charitable initiatives. From neighbor-hood cleanups to awareness campaigns, we encourage each resident to pursue what’s meaningful to them.

Family integration. From the first day in care, we work with each youth’s family and support system to identify challenges, develop resources, and build upon strengths. 

Planning for the future. Permanency is the goal for every youth in our care. Through clinical assessments and ongoing support, we focus on what comes next—whether that’s returning to family or independence.

For more information,  please contact
Lisa Casella-Thiele
oThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
518.337.0926

 

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