Residential Program Closure

Why is Brewer-Porch Children’s Center closing its residential program?

• The University of Alabama continually reviews its programs to ensure available resources align with the University’s core mission along with the ability to effectively meet program goals and needs. The difficult decision to close the residential program at Brewer-Porch Children’s Center after more than 50 years of providing high-quality mental health and educational services to clients was made after exhaustive exploration of alternative paths.

Where will current residential clients go for services?

• The needs of the children, adolescents and families served were paramount in planning for center’s residential program closure. The UA College of Community Health Sciences is working closely with other agencies to ensure clients are transitioned safely to another facility or other setting.

When will Brewer-Porch Children’s Center cease offering its residential program?

• All children will be placed by April 30 and the facility will shut down May 31. However, safe placement of all children will dictate the actual timeline.

Does this affect outpatient services offered in partnership with Tuscaloosa City Schools?

• Outpatient Day Treatment and the Adolescent Adaptive Skills Training Program remain under BPCC through the end of the school year. UA is working with representatives from the Tuscaloosa City Schools on continuing outpatient services longer term.

What will be done with client medical records?

• Medical records will be kept in accordance with best practices and relevant regulations. For those who need access or copies of the records after the residential program closes, please contact the University Medical Center at 205-348-1252 or visit its website for more information.

Does this affect other programs on campus or within the College of Community Health Sciences?

• The UA College of Community Health Sciences remains committed to its mission of improving and promoting the health of individuals and communities across West Alabama and UA maintains high-quality instruction, research and service in the areas of psychology, mental health, behavioral health and education.