No Halo News · Sourced development
Children’s Home of Kingston plans to close youth programs as state agencies arrange transitions
The Children’s Home of Kingston notified New York agencies that it plans to close its school and residential programs in January 2027. The programs serve youth ages 10 to 22 with learning disabilities, emotional challenges or behavioral needs. Employees described distress among workers and youth. Reporting also cited recurring operating losses, the loss of major federal program revenue, a growing repayment liability and an auditor’s warning about the organization’s ability to continue operating.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
The planned shutdown affects residential, educational and mental-health support for youth with complex needs. State and local agencies must find placements that preserve safety and continuity of care.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
The Times Union reported the closure plan using statements from the New York Office of Children and Family Services, the state Education Department, Ulster County, the nonprofit’s CEO and employees, as well as federal and state audit records.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not established the complete cause of the board’s decision, the final closure date, how many youth and employees will ultimately be affected, or whether every youth will receive an equivalent placement without a service gap.
Right of reply
Organization response
CEO Leila Santana said the board was responsible for decisions concerning the proposed closure and that the organization was coordinating with regulators. She said its immediate priorities were youth safety, well-being, continuity of care and clear communication, but did not provide a detailed explanation for the closure.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Operational Contraction. Current state: Pending. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published October 22, 2026 · Last verified October 23, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.