Recognizing the tremendous need for long-term residential services in Dallas County, Bright Star Youth Academy (BSYA) opened in July 2012. It is the only agency in Dallas County licensed and contracted with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to serve females ages 10 -17 (DFPS). We are licensed and contracted as a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) - a residential child-care ope
ration for 13 or more children or young adults that exclusively provides treatment for girls who suffer from mild-to-moderate emotional disorders. BSYA is different than similar agencies in our area as most are approved only for Emergency Shelter or are not fully licensed and contracted with the State of Texas to provide these specialized treatment services. This specific level of care is extended to young people who have experienced higher degrees of physical and emotional distress - whether once, or over a prolonged period of time – and require a higher degree of specialized and focused care. Residents of Bright Star Youth Academy are engaged in daily counseling and therapeutic services in a safe home environment that stresses positive, respectful interactions, daily living skills and responsibilities, and positive peer relations while they await placement in a foster home or reunification with family. The entire staff is devoted to the care and support of the young girls in our care – that care extends to biological relatives, prospective foster parents, the court system, as well as previous residents in need of post-residency care. Our commitment is to provide holistic support that will help ensure a successful transition from a crisis to a safe and stable home for our residents.
