A place to heal…

Cardinal McCloskey Services operates a group home for adolescent girls ages 12 to 20 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or the need for specially supervised living arrangements. Many have histories of being physically or sexually abused as well as prior unsuccessful residential and/or foster care placements. Many have learning and /or behavioral problems and some suffer from psychiatric disorders brought on from their earlier abuse. The Group Home program provides girls with a safe place to live and services to meet their educational, vocational and social needs. Their health care and mental health needs are also provided for through the program.

Trained Staff

Our group homes are pleasantly located in residential communities and are supervised by trained child care workers and a House Manager. Staff members receive more than 28 hours of training each year in topics such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, CPR and driver safety training. A complement of health care and mental health professionals works with the house staff to ensure girls receive appropriate health and clinical services. A masters-level social worker provides case management services and discharge planning to the girls and their families.

Education - Academic & Vocational

Girls attend high school, college, vocational school or maintain a job while living in the group homes. Staff members assist the girls and encourage them in their academic pursuits. Several CMS group home residents have graduated from local colleges. Others have graduated from vocational school and have successfully joined the workforce.

Social/Recreational

A variety of opportunities for social and recreational activities are also available to the girls. Field trips and outings to local attractions, sporting events and other recreational activities occur often. Two years ago, a summer vacation to the Jersey Shore became a lifetime memory for residents.

Case Management

The social worker is responsible for case management during each girl's stay. Working closely with each resident, the case manager coordinates services while girls are in care and works with them to plan for returning home whenever possible or if not possible, preparing for independent living when they leave the group home. Girls age 14 and older participate in the CMS Independent Living Skills Program as part of their discharge plan. Services are also provided to the girls' families when possible to help them in planning for their daughters, either through reunification or by supporting their efforts to attain successful independence.

Health & Clinical Care Services