Residential Questions & Answers
An overview of Vista Maria’s decision, timeline, and commitment to youth during this transition.
Statement from Vista Maria
In keeping with our commitment to empowering women, children, and families to heal, grow, and realize their full potential, Vista Maria is making a thoughtful shift in how we serve Michigan’s youth by ending residential youth mental health programming. Over the last decade, a combination of social, systemic, and regulatory factors has made it increasingly challenging to care for youth whose mental health needs have grown more acute and complex. Many of these young people would benefit from receiving inpatient psychiatric support that we do not, and are not licensed to, provide. Therefore, residents will be transferred by December 19, 2025, to other care facilities under the support of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), as it is responsible for securing placements and ensuring continuity of care. Vista Maria will continue to strengthen our other programs, such as foster care, independent living, and juvenile justice services.
Questions & Answers
Why is this happening now?
Over the last decade, a combination of social, systemic, and regulatory factors has made it increasingly challenging to care for youth whose mental health needs have grown more acute and complex. Many of these young people would benefit from receiving inpatient psychiatric support that we do not, and are not licensed to, provide. This decision was made after more than a year of reflection, data review, and discussions with our leaders, board, and community partners about what is right for the youth and staff who depend on us.
Who made the decision and when?
With the support of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Vista Maria’s Executive Leadership and Board of Directors approved this decision on October 20, 2025.
Is Vista Maria closing?
No. Vista Maria will continue to strengthen our community-based programs, such as foster care, independent living, and juvenile justice services, which serve hundreds of young people and families each year.
Without this residential program, what does Vista Maria do?
As of October 21, 2025, Vista Maria provides services to 293 youth across our full range of programs. Eleven of these youth are enrolled in the residential mental health treatment program. Below is the current census for each program and its share of the total population served.
| Program | Census | % of Total |
| Foster Care | 88 | 30% |
| Juvenile Justice | 77 | 26% |
| Community Independent Living | 35 | 12% |
| Adoption | 33 | 11% |
| Check & Connect | 20 | 7% |
| Journey to Success | 15 | 5% |
| Shepherd Hall Transitional Living | 14 | 5% |
| Residential Mental Health Treatment | 11 | 4% |
| Total Clients | 293 | 100% |
How many youth will be impacted?
As of October 21, 2025, there are 11 youth in Vista Maria’s residential mental health treatment program. All 11 will transition to other facilities or community placements before December 19, 2025.
Only 11? Why is the number of youth on campus so low?
We paused new admissions in early September as part of a planned stabilization period to ensure the highest quality of care for the youth currently on campus. This allowed our team to focus on individualized treatment and ensure a smooth transition process for each young person.
Do you blame the State of Michigan / MDHHS for the changes that have made residential care impossible to manage?
This is not about blame. It’s about addressing a system that has been reshaped by changes in regulations, staffing realities, and funding structures. Vista Maria and the State share the same commitment to ensuring that youth receive the right care in the right setting.
Is there a transition or referral plan for the youth currently in care?
Yes. MDHHS is responsible for identifying alternative placements for the youth and ensuring their continuity of care. We will remain engaged and supportive throughout that process.
What is the timeline? When will youth be moved?
Residents will be transferred by December 19, 2025 to appropriate care facilities or community-based settings under the support of MDHHS, as it is responsible for securing placements and ensuring continuity of care.
How will youth be informed about this change and supported through the transition?
Youth will be informed individually by their MDHHS caseworkers or Vista Maria therapists and staff, following best practices for trauma-informed communication. Our staff will continue providing mental health treatment and care. Even as youth move on, we’ll do everything we can to ensure that their next step feels stable and hopeful.
What happens to youth in the program? Where will they go?
Each youth will transition to a placement that best fits their needs. MDHHS is responsible for securing placements and ensuring continuity of care, but Vista Maria will remain a supportive partner, helping youth transitions happen safely and with compassion.
Is this change connected to recent news coverage of Vista Maria?
No. Over the last decade, a combination of social, systemic, and regulatory factors has made it increasingly challenging to care for youth whose mental health needs have grown more acute and complex. Many of these young people would benefit from receiving inpatient psychiatric support that we do not, and are not licensed to, provide. This decision was made after more than a year of reflection, data review, and discussions with our leaders, board, and community partners about what is right for the youth and staff who depend on us.
If it took you a year to make this decision, have these youth been at risk this whole time like the reporter alluded to?
No. Throughout this process, the safety and well-being of every young person on campus has remained our top priority. We have maintained full collaboration with MDHHS and licensing officials to ensure compliance with all standards and continuity of services. The decision to end our residential contracts with the State of Michigan reflects our long-term responsibility to align care models with today’s workforce, regulatory, and treatment realities not a response to any single event or safety concern.
Is this because of the government shutdown?
No. These challenges began well before the federal government shutdown and stem from larger systemic issues in youth mental health care.
Is Vista Maria financially stable? What is the financial or budget impact?
While the transition will reduce expenses through staffing changes, Vista Maria remains financially stable and positioned for sustainability. This is a proactive decision to ensure long-term strength and mission impact.
What happens to restricted funds for the residential program?
We will reach out to funders to discuss reassigning funds toward similar mission-aligned programs or, if necessary, issue reimbursements with full transparency.
Is this due to funding cuts or staff performance?
No. This change is driven by client needs and state policy limitations, not performance or funding issues. Many of the young people who arrive at Vista Maria would benefit from receiving inpatient psychiatric support that we do not, and are not licensed to, provide. Over the last decade, a combination of social, systemic, and regulatory factors has made it increasingly challenging to care for youth whose mental health needs have grown more acute and complex. This decision was made after more than a year of reflection, data review, and discussions with our leaders, board, and community partners about what is right for the youth and staff who depend on us.
How long has Vista Maria been working with vulnerable youth?
Vista Maria has been serving vulnerable youth and families for more than 140 years. Our work began in 1883 and has continually evolved to meet Michigan’s changing needs. Residential treatment programs were added in 1976, extending our legacy of care grounded in wellness, compassion, and empowerment.
Agency and residential leadership recently had a meeting and expressed a desire to continue the residential program. What happened?
After that meeting, the level of crisis among youth continued without a meaningful change in de-escalation. Those incidents made it clear that ending the youth residential mental health program is the right decision for both the youth and the staff who depend on us.
Are any other Vista Maria programs being discontinued?
No. Community-based programs, including juvenile justice, foster care, Shepherd Hall transitional living program, and community independent living remain strong. Our focus is on expanding and investing where the need is greatest.
Does “residential programs” include the Shepherd Hall Transitional Living Program?
No. Shepherd Hall remains open and continues to serve young adults in transitional housing.
Will Vista Maria continue accepting referrals in other programs?
Yes. All community programs remain active and continue to accept referrals.
What will happen to the residential buildings on campus?
Vista Maria’s campus will remain a place of healing and empowerment. Our vision is to repurpose our existing spaces to address urgent community needs and serve those who need us most.
As a donor/volunteer/supporter, how can my support make a difference now?
Volunteers, donors, and community partners have always been the heartbeat of Vista Maria. You’ve wrapped our residents in care, comfort, and hope, and that impact will carry into everything we do next. Your support matters more than ever. As we move through this this next chapter, there will be many ways to stay engaged through mentoring, volunteering, advocacy, and continued support.
What does this mean for Clara B. Ford Academy and Vista Meadows Academy?
Clara B. Ford Academy and Vista Meadows Academy are separate organizations from Vista Maria. Their respective school boards have been notified and will communicate any changes directly with their staff, students, and families.
Will there be layoffs? How many staff are affected?
Approximately 150 staff members will be impacted. Each will be treated with respect and provided with as much support and clarity as possible.
Why are 150 staff members being laid off if only 11 youth were in the residential program?
Residential trauma-informed care requires intensive, individualized, and multidisciplinary support—necessitating large staff teams even for small groups of youth. Our team includes therapists, social workers, case managers, and support staff. We maintained staffing levels during a planned stabilization period in September to remain prepared for new admissions. After over a year of reflection, data review, and dialogue with leadership and community partners, we made the decision to end our residential programs in the best interest of the youth and staff we serve.
Can impacted staff apply for other positions within the agency?
Impacted employees may apply for other internal openings as they arise. Please be aware that the number of available positions is very limited, and opportunities for reassignment are expected to be minimal.
What resources are available to support residential staff whose positions are eliminated?
In addition to the 60-day notice as required by the WARN Act, we are offering resume and placement assistance, as well as help exploring other roles within and outside the organization. A job placement fair will take place in December, and our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is available through Ulliance any time at 1-800-448-8326.
Will there be severance or placement support?
Yes, depending on tenure and eligibility for other roles. Vista Maria is committed to providing fair compensation and compassionate transition support.
Will staff salaries or benefits change during the 60-day WARN period?
There will be no impact on employee salaries during this time. Benefits will remain active until December 31, 2025, unless an employee chooses to leave sooner.
How will accrued PTO and sick time be handled?
Per Vista Maria policy, PTO will be paid out in full, while sick time and floating holidays are not paid out.
Are there partnerships with other agencies where affected staff might find work?
Yes. We will be hosting events with partner agencies in December to allow current employees to learn about other organizations and their available opportunities.
Will staff receive mental health or counseling support during this transition?
Consultants from Ulliance, our EAP (Employee Assistance Program), will be onsite for various events between now and the end of the year. Ulliance consultants are also available for consultation at any time at 1-800-448-8326. All contacts are confidential and not reported to the agency.