Three young girls at a school book fair, holding books and smiling, with colorful posters and classroom decorations in the background.

Children’s Community Residence

What We’re About

The CHFS Children’s Community Residence (CCR) is a licensed therapeutic living environment comprising eight beds, available on a voluntary basis 24/7. It offers children aged 8 to 12, diagnosed with emotional and behavioral health challenges, an alternative living arrangement when they face difficulties within a family setting. The program operates with a family-centered approach, prioritizing the provision of space and support to help youth and families develop skills for effectively managing mental health challenges.

  • Main Office
    315 Wyckoff Avenue
    Brooklyn, NY 11237
    Phone: 718-497-6090

What We Do

Two children sitting on the floor playing a board game, with other children in the background.

Upon acceptance to the CHFS CCR, we help to identify needs and connect youth and families to services in the community. CCR staff meet with caregivers to work on a family-centered plan of care, and offer support in strengthening the youth and family relationships. We offer a safe, well-supervised temporary home for youth to live in; designed to help them learn the adaptive skills that they need to succeed at home, school and the community. During a youth’s time at the CCR, they attend school, work on socialization with their peers, receive medication management, as well as therapy in the community. They also participate in recreational activities and family events that foster their emotional and physical well-being.

Who We Help

Two boys, one younger and one older, holding pizza slices in an indoor setting, with a woman and others blurred in the background.

Children grappling with mental health needs, particularly those diagnosed as seriously emotionally disturbed, often encounter numerous obstacles to success within various child-serving systems such as schools or welfare agencies. The term 'seriously emotionally disturbed' encompasses those who face significant difficulties due to mental health symptoms impeding their daily functioning. Such children may find it challenging to maintain stable, positive relationships within their community, potentially leading to placements in higher levels of care like residential institutions or long-term hospitalization.

Referral Process

Referrals to the CCR can be initiated by parents, caretakers, service providers, or hospitals via the Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPOA). Participation in the program is voluntary, and eligibility is determined by the C-SPOA team. C-SPOA may be reached at: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/childservice/docs/ccr-program-info-caregivers.pdf

The cost of services in a CCR is covered under Medicaid. If a child does not have Medicaid, the CCR will assist with the application. Room and board is paid for with Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If the child does not have SSI, the CCR will assist with the application process. 

General Contact

Ed Williams
Associate Executive Director of Mental Health & Health Services

Email: ejwilliams@hispanicfamilyservicesny.org
Phone: 718-497-6090