Wyoming Lawmakers Should Prioritize Youth Mental Health

The "average" 12-year-old at St. Joseph’s Children's Home, a psychiatric residential treatment facility in Torrington, has already lived in five out-of-home placements, ranging from foster care to jail. All patients are severely and emotionally disturbed boys and girls, ranging in age from six to 12, who have survived abuse and trauma. Many of their parents are dead or in prison. When the children arrive at St. Joseph’s, all avenues have been exhausted. Currently, there are 29 patients at St. Joseph’s (17 boys and 12 girls) and a waitlist of 18, with five children expected to be admitted this week.