Mission

Mission Empowering children and families to achieve optimal health and well being Vision A world where every child and family have access to the tools, skills and support they need to thrive. About the Children’s Home On January 21, 1847, a group of Poughkeepsie women called the Female Guardian Society met to form the Poughkeepsie Orphan House and Home of the Friendless to care for the poor, abandoned, and neglected in their communities, most especially the children. They believed that all children deserve a nurturing and caring environment. More than 179 years later, their work continues. Today, the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie provides a full range of community based and residential services giving hope and healing to at-risk children throughout the country. The Home is licensed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services, the New York State Office of Mental Health, and the New York State Department of Health. At the helm of this 179-year-old agency sits Walter J. Joseph, a 45-year veteran of the child welfare system, who leads a staff of nearly 400. Under his leadership, a team of social workers, case workers, nurses, direct care workers, program staff, and administrators provide therapeutic services to children and their families. The Children’s Home is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for its exemplary adherence to human welfare agency guidelines. In fiscal year 2025, the Home served approximately 1,683 children and their families.