A deal to privatize the operation of two county-owned youth shelters has fallen through, forcing the relocation of five residents when the facilities close Monday.
The Allen County Commissioners last month approved a plan under which Wabash-based White’s Residential and Family Services would pay the county $48,000 a year to operate the Yoder and Kryder Houses, which are part of the county’s Youth Services Center at 11805 Lima Road. But the deal unexpectedly fell through when the state offered White’s a payment of less than $130 a day per resident, not the $160 a day White’s needed to operate the facilities, according to Youth Services Center Executive Director Chris Dunn.
“We didn’t think this would happen. White’s has a good reputation with the state,” said Dunn, adding that he will continue to work with White’s and other agencies in an attempt to reopen the short-term shelters for boys and girls ages 15-21. Each house can accommodate as many as 20 people, but only five residents remain because the shelters’ uncertain future had affected placements. The state’s reimbursement rate will make it difficult for anyone to provide quality care, but Dunn said support from foundations and other donors will be sought to close the gap.
Dunn said 14 employees will lose their jobs because of the closures. County officials earlier this year moved to privatize the homes’ operation after the state passed a law requiring government-owned youth shelters receiving state funds to comply with federal Social Security guidelines allowing no more than 25 occupants. By privatizing the homes, their occupants were not counted as part of the longer-term Youth Services Center’s total. Fourteen youths were at the center Thursday, Dunn said. The facilities provide shelter for youths who have been abandoned, neglected or abused.
“The good work that’s been carried out by these two facilities over the years makes the closings even more regrettable,” Commissioner Bill Brown said in a statement.
