ACCC increases licensed capacity

Anne Carlsen Center for Children was recently granted an increased licensure by the ND Department of Human Services, growing its residential capacity from 52 to 56 effective July 1.

“We sought an increase from the state because our waiting list was becoming increasingly long, indicating to us a growing need for our residential services,” said Chief Executive Officer Dan Howell.

The average length of stay for a child residing at the Center is five years, Howell said.

A year ago, the Center had over 10 children on its waiting list, with a number of children remaining on the list for over a year. “We felt we weren’t doing justice to those kids and their families,” said Howell.
“With the increase,” he said, “we have the ability to touch even more lives.”

The growing number of referrals for residential placement also helped spearhead the Center’s move to increase its outreach services, said Chief Operating Officer Marcia Gums.

“Through our outreach services,” she said, “we hope to support the work of others around the state who are helping children and young adults with disabilities become as independent as possible.”
Anne Carlsen Center for Children residents range in age from birth to 21.