Alabama scrambles to find homes for 30 kids after Archdiocese closes group home

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — The Archdiocese of Mobile announced last month St. Mary’s Residential Treatment Facility for youth would close on September 30 after 182 years of operation.

St. Mary’s is the home for more than 30 troubled kids with a staff of 66 employees.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) told NBC 15 News on Thursday the children will be gone by this weekend. It said it was notified on July 16 that its contract would be terminated within 30 days. Since then, DHR has been working to move the children.

Collette Bookman of Mobile sent this three-page letter to Archbishop Rodi, trying to stop the closing. In the letter, Bookman said:

The fact that, during a pandemic, experts would still advise you to kick these children out and fire 66 employees knowing they don’t qualify for unemployment is unconscionable, in-compassionate, and merciless.

Records show the facility's property was valued between $70,000 and $75,000 in 2019. Today, it’s appraised for $3.2 million. The Archdiocese of Mobile stands firm, saying it’s not closing the facility for financial reasons and there are no plans for the property.

In a statement, DHR said, “DHR’s ability to locate alternate placements has been challenging. However, DHR staff has been working diligently and are determined to find appropriate placement resources.”

NBC 15 News reached out to the Archdiocese of Mobile Thursday for additional comments. We have not yet heard back.

Read the full letter from Collette Bookman here: