Cardinal Hayes Home has one hundred ten developmentally disabled young people residing in its Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs). The main campus in Millbrook, NY is home for sixty children and young adults. The six one-story residences and the living space in the main building are all handicapped-accessible. The agency's five Community ICFs are in various areas of Dutchess County; ten disabled young people live in each of these homes. There is 24-hour care and supervision of the residents at every agency site.

Intermediate Care Facilities are licensed by the State of New York and operate under the jurisdiction of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Programs conform to Federal and State regulations and are subject to annual surveys by OMRDD to ensure that the facilities, staffing requirements, etc., meet all standards. Because the residents of ICFs are physically handicapped and mentally retarded, staff who work with the children must receive special training. At Cardinal Hayes Home, a segment of the population is medically frail, and agency staff has considerable experience in the care of these youngsters.

Parents of children with special needs have several options -- some families are able to have their child live at home, while others find it necessary to seek residential services. Placing a special needs child in someone else's care is a difficult and often painful decision. We are available to help parents choose the option that is best for their child and the family, whether it is placement at Cardinal Hayes Home or another alternative.

Young people with disabilities need a continuum of care throughout their lives, and we work with families to most appropriately meet the special needs of these children. Our goal is to maximize the potential for growth and development of each resident; this planning continues through young adulthood. Families are encouraged to take an active part in their children's lives and in planning for their current and future needs.