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The exterior of the Adirondack Youth Lodge children’s crisis residence.The exterior of the Adirondack Youth Lodge children’s crisis residence.

Adirondack Youth Lodge

The Adirondack Youth Lodge is a specialized children’s community residence located in Malone, NY, designed to support youth ages 12-18 who are experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Operated by Citizen Advocates, the youth lodge provides a safe, structured and trauma-informed environment where healing and growth are nurtured through individualized care and family engagement.

Our Mission

At the Adirondack Youth Lodge, our mission is to foster emotional, behavioral and social development in youth through a supportive, home-like setting. We deliver trauma-informed, person-centered care that emphasizes active family involvement and individualized support. Our goal is to help youth improve their overall functioning, academic engagement and social skills while preparing for successful reintegration into their home and community.

What We Offer

The Adirondack Youth Lodge is an eight-bed children’s community residence offering 24/7 supervision and support across home, school and community settings. Our program is built on a strength-based model that promotes resilience and healing. Each youth receives individualized restorative interventions tailored to their unique needs and goals, including on-site skill-building groups that teach coping strategies, effective communication and social skills.

Typical stays range from three months to one year, with discharge determined by progress and goal achievement.

Eligibility Criteria

Youth must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:

  • Ages 12–18 (male or female)
  • Diagnosed with a Serious Emotional Disturbance
  • Willing to voluntarily engage in a rehabilitative setting
  • A discharge resource must be identified, though flexible planning is available to ensure the best transition

Structured Daily Routine

The Adirondack Youth Lodge maintains a consistent daily schedule that promotes emotional stability, positive habits and personal growth, including:

  • Skill-building groups
  • Educational support
  • Life skills training
  • Recreation and leisure time

How to Apply

The first step is completing a Single Point of Access (SPOA) form for the county in which the applicant resides. The SPOA is a one-stop shop for a wide range of mental health services available locally. This resource ensures the right service is connected to the right individual or family at the right time. Once completed, the referral is returned to the individual listed in the application. 

Franklin County

To obtain a SPOA form, please click here or call Franklin County Community Services at 518-891-2280.

St. Lawrence County

To download a SPOA form for Children and Youth, click here or call St. Lawrence County Community Services at 315-386-2048.

Clinton County

To download a SPOA form for Children, click here or call Clinton County Community Services at 518-565-4060.

Essex County

To download a SPOA form for Children, click here or call Essex County Community Services at 518-873-3670.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a children’s community residence?

A: A children’s community residence is a short-term, structured living environment for youth experiencing serious emotional or behavioral challenges. It provides intensive support and care to stabilize and prepare youth for a successful return to their home or community.

Q: Who can refer a youth to the Adirondack Youth Lodge?

A: Referrals typically come through the County Single Point of Access (SPOA) system. Families, schools and mental health professionals can initiate the process by contacting their local SPOA office.

Q: How long do youth stay at the Adirondack Youth Lodge?

A: Stays typically range from three months to one year, depending on the youth’s progress and individualized goals.

Q: Is family involvement required?

A: Yes. Family engagement is a core component of the program. Staff work closely with families, providing education, resources and coaching to help them support their child’s ongoing needs.

Q: Is the program voluntary?

A: Yes. Youth must voluntarily agree to participate in the program and commit to their individualized action plan.

Related services

Need help navigating our community housing & living services?

At Citizen Advocates, we work as a team to provide the best individual, person-centered services to the people we serve. Care coordination assists clients with identifying and accessing the services that will assist them in addressing the problems they are experiencing, or that will help them to achieve a higher quality life or level of functioning.