Three children, smiling and focused, are drawing with colored pencils at a table. Their art supplies and a brick wall are visible in the background.
Three children, smiling and focused, are drawing with colored pencils at a table. Their art supplies and a brick wall are visible in the background.

Short Term Residential Care

McKinley’s Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) provides a safe, structured, and clinically supported placement for boys ages 6-17 who require intensive, short-term residential care. You are served in a family-like setting with 24/7 supervision and integrated services, including individualized therapy, medical and mental health coordination, educational support, and structured enrichment activities. The program is designed to stabilize behaviors, support emotional healing, and prepare youth for a successful transition to a less restrictive or permanent placement.

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A minimalist room with white and blue brick walls, featuring a wooden bed, small dresser, and black chair. The sunlight streams through half-open blinds, creating a stark, serene atmosphere.

What is STRTP at McKinley?

Our STRTP program serves foster youth and post-adoption youth who need short-term, intensive residential care. Each child lives in one of our on-campus cottages, where staff act as consistent caregivers—providing meals, transportation, school support, health appointments, and enrichment. The goal is always to help boys stabilize, grow, and move forward to a lower level of care or back to family placement.

A gray-haired man and a young person intently play chess at a wooden table. The background is black, focusing entirely on the contemplative game scene.

It Takes a Village, Our 360° Approach


At McKinley, we believe meaningful outcomes for children are achieved through a collective effort.  Our Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program is built on a 360-Degree approach that brings together a multidisciplinary team, family, and natural support in a unified system of support. 

By working collaboratively, this integrated team addresses each child’s unique needs, ensuring that every stage of their journey is guided, intentional, and fully supported within a coordinated circle of care.


The Student Journey, A Path of 6–9 Months

Most students spend about 6–9 months in our STRTP program. During this time, they receive therapy, participate in enrichment, and build social-emotional and academic skills. Our staff celebrate milestones—birthdays, cultural events, achievements in school—and focus on preparing each child for long-term stability beyond McKinley.

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A young boy and an adult are playing foosball in a lively indoor setting. The boy, wearing a white cap, is focused, while the room has a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Four children sit at desks in a bright classroom, focused on writing in notebooks. The atmosphere is studious and calm, with pencils and books on desks.

Education and IEP Support


Education is a central part of care. Through our Canyon View School and the Social Emotional and Academic Support (SEAS) program, each child’s education plan is built around their IEP. Some boys attend classes on campus, while others continue at approved non-public schools, with McKinley staff ensuring all academic and emotional needs are met.

The Team Behind the Care


Our STRTP is led by Patricia White, Director, alongside a team of clinical staff, counselors, and rehabilitation specialists. With 24/7 coverage, each cottage has treatment counselors across shifts, supported by mental health professionals who ensure consistent, trauma-informed care.

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Ready to Learn More?


School Districts, Children’s Agencies, Adoption Agencies (Post-Adoption Residential Placement), and Families who are seeking information about placement are encouraged to contact our Intake Coordinator for assistance.