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Changes in Store for Yoder and Kryder Houses

Press release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners:

Changes in Store for Yoder and Kryder Houses
Commissioners, private firm reach two-year agreement on future of former youth group homes

(March 12, 2010) – Nine months after closing, the Allen County Youth Services Center’s two group homes for juveniles will resume operations – but with a different focus.

The Allen County Board of Commissioners today approved an agreement with White’s Residential and Family Services to operate a foster home for juveniles at Kryder House and to use Yoder House as a regional office for the non-profit agency. White’s already has the necessary state permits and licenses to operate the foster home.

The term of the agreement is two years with a one-year renewal option. White’s will pay the County a license fee of $800 a month for Kryder House and $1,000 a month for Yoder House. White’s will begin operations at the two homes on April 1.

Last year, the Board of Commissioners entered into an agreement with White’s to privatize operations at Kryder and Yoder after the General Assembly shifted the costs for juvenile services from counties to the state. However, the Department of Child Services is no longer required to pay costs of any services, programs or placements to facilities that are not eligible to receive federal reimbursement. By privatizing operations at the group homes, the
Commissioners had hoped to meet the eligibility guidelines.

But IDCS and White’s were unable to reach agreement on a reimbursement rate for White’s to operate the two facilities and the homes were closed in July. “The opportunity to continue helping at-risk young people in our community at no cost to taxpayers makes this agreement a big win for the County,” said Commissioner Bill Brown, who also serves on the YSC board of directors.

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