Residential Care for Children & Youth (RCCY)
Where children and youth are equipped for successful transition to a safe, appropriate placement
Overview
The Residential Care for Children and Youth (RCCY) program provides safe, supervised, and therapeutic care for children and youth in need. Services include emergency shelter, specialized residential care, secure care, diagnostic treatment, and residential treatment for sex offenders. Stays can range from one day to over a year, with a focus on keeping children in their communities whenever possible.
The program helps families stay together, supports reunification, and promotes independence using the least restrictive options. It provides care for children and youth in behavioral health treatment, juvenile rehabilitation, and victims of abuse or neglect.
Grants are available to nonprofits, local governments, and tribes to start or expand programs, cover services not funded by Medicaid, and address short-term needs.
Who qualifies?
The RCCY program serves children and youth (ages 0–18) who need short-term residential care as an alternative to psychiatric facilities or juvenile detention. It supports those with serious emotional disturbances, behavioral health challenges, or involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare system.
Funding is available for programs that fill service gaps and provide care for children who lack other resources or do not qualify for Medicaid.
How to sign up
The RCCY program is a specific grant-funded program. To explore current funding opportunities, visit the Online Public Notices webpage and sign up for email or text updates for Department of Health grant announcements.
Agencies can also apply to offer children’s residential services through Medicaid. For details on becoming a Medicaid provider, visit the Behavioral Health Medicaid Provider Assistance Services webpage.
Program outcomes
Short-Term:
- Increased sense of security for and among residents (safety)
- Improved understanding by residents of why they are in residential care (treatment)
Intermediate:
- Enhanced resident capacity for positive change (treatment)
- Increased use of positive behaviors (treatment)
Long-Term:
- Residents are resilient and prepared to thrive