CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — After 22 years of service, KidsPeace announced an end to its Georgia operations.
It means the help KidsPeace provides to at-risk youth through its Carroll County facility’s specialized residential treatment and care programs will come to an end come Dec. 31.
The organization made the announcement on Monday, saying financial pressure related to residential mental and behavioral healthcare in Georgia created a financial gap the organization could not continue under.
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“This is an incredibly difficult decision because of what Bowdon has meant to KidsPeace, to our local community and, most importantly, to the more than 1,000 young people who have received care here over the past 22 years,” Michael W. Slack, KidsPeace President and CEO, said. “Our associates in Georgia have provided exceptional care and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our mission. This decision is in no way a reflection of them or the quality of the services they provide.”
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Slack said extensive efforts were made to find a way forward, but were unsuccessful.
KidsPeace said in a statement that most of the youth served at their facility in Bowdon, Ga. are referred through the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice and the Division of Family and Children Services.
KidsPeace said that most of the costs are reimbursed by the state for those programs, but while costs have continued to rise, the financial support rates have not kept pace with them.
“We have worked alongside our community partners to make state leaders aware of the growing disparity and the impact it has on our ability to sustain these services,” Slack said. “We explored operational efficiencies, alternative service models and other options that would allow us to remain in Georgia. Unfortunately, we could not identify a financially sustainable path forward. Reaching this decision is painful, but it is necessary to protect the long-term strength of KidsPeace and our ability to continue delivering our mission in the communities we serve.”
At this time, the Bowdon facility employees about 100 people and serves up to 80 people at a time.
Employees were told about the planned closure. KidsPeace said it had a transition plan to ensure continuity of care for the youth currently served, as well as plans to support affected associates during the wind-down process.
“For 22 years, this community has welcomed KidsPeace, supported our associates and believed in the work being done for children,” Slack said. “We are profoundly grateful for that partnership. Bowdon will always hold an honored place in the history of KidsPeace, and we will always be proud of the difference our Georgia associates have made in the lives of children and families.”
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