What We Do
Since 1956, the ACRC has been providing a powerful voice for residential interventions through relationships, leadership, advocacy, and the promotion of innovative treatment and best practices.
Our Commitment
From our humble inception to our international network today, we have stayed true to our values and our commitment to being a resource to member agencies who provide transformative care to the most vulnerable children, youth, and families.
The evolution of ACRC
Timeline
1956
American Association of Children’s Residential Centers is founded
“To be a forum for discussion of common approaches and problems of emotionally disturbed children requiring in-patient treatment”
First “scientific meeting,” held at Chicago’s Orthogenic School, was attended by 13 people.
1968
For the first time, the Annual Meeting moves away from Chicago
1969
Al Trieschman, future AACRC President, co-authors “The Other 23 Hours”
“Committed to the highest level of quality care and treatment of emotionally disturbed children and adolescents through sound clinical practice, and to the advancement of scientific knowledge through residential care”
1982
AACRC moves to Washington, DC
1983
AACRC’s Professional Journal Is Born, The Residential Treatment for Children and Youth
“AACRC brings professionals together to advance the frontiers of knowledge pertaining to the spectrum of therapeutic living environments for children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders”
1997
New Board Governance Structure Developed By Gerry Zaslaw. Welcome, Board advisors!
2004
AACRC enters into management agreement with Alliance for Children and Families, and moves to Milwaukee
2005
AACRC Begins Redefining Residential Position Paper Series. The first position paper is titled “Redefining the Role of Residential Treatment.”
2006
AACRC is at the table for the first Building Bridges Summit in Omaha, NE, which led to the creation of the Joint Resolution.
“Providing a powerful national voice through leadership, advocacy, and the promotion of innovation and best practices”
2014
AACRC becomes independent and takes on a second full-time employee, doubling the staff!
2016
ACRC rebrands, and drops one “A” to reflect our growing international presence
“Together, the voice”
57th Annual Meeting attendance jumps to over 400
2020
ACRC lives its values by implementing a Youth and Family Voice Committee
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