Cuts Force Closure Of Acadiana Youth Program

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — At the end of this year, the Acadiana Youth Program will be closing its doors for good.

After four decades housing foster children and providing services, program administrators say state budget cuts have left them no other option.

And when it's lights out in a few weeks, KLFY-TV reports Executive Director Vicki Boudreaux is left to wonder where will the kids go.

The State Department of Children and Family services says over the last few years, more and more children have been transitioned into family home settings, reducing the need for residential shelters, like Acadiana Youth, which currently serves just one person.

The state processes nearly 4,000 foster kids each day. Knowing those numbers, Boudreaux says it's hard to believe their services are not needed.