LSS announces the decision to close the New Beginnings Center in Aberdeen with the final day of programming set for October 18. New Beginnings Center is a group care facility for youth ages 10-17 that LSS has operated since 1991. 

Over the last fifteen years, the landscape of residential services for children and youth has changed. Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, President/CEO, explained, “Both national and local trends reflect a shift away from congregate care settings for youth like our group care program at New Beginnings. Evidence shows that the best outcomes occur when youth are able to receive supportive services in their home or community. For some youth, more intensive treatment may be necessary, which can be served through psychiatric residential treatment programs. These system level changes have resulted in a decrease in referrals to programs like New Beginnings Center. At this time, continuing services at New Beginnings is no longer viable.”

The closure will impact ten youth currently receiving care at NBC. Kiesow-Knudsen assured that “our team is working diligently to ensure that the residents currently in placement are either discharged home with their family or referred to other programs in the state. The care and well-being of our residents is the highest priority.”

Kiesow-Knudsen added, “We value the New Beginnings employees and their significant contribution and commitment to the youth. We will work to support them through the transition.”

New Beginnings Center is LSS’s sole residential group care facility. LSS will continue to operate its psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Sioux Falls and Spearfish and remains committed to providing quality therapeutic treatment and specialized education to youth who have emotional, behavioral and educational challenges.