Hayden's Kyler House to close before July

By KEITH COUSINS Staff Writer

HAYDEN — A home for individuals with developmental disabilities in Hayden is closing its doors.

The Kyler House, which opened in 2009 at 1182 Kyler Ave. in Hayden, was established after state legislators recommended the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare shift clients from its Southwest Idaho Treatment Center in Nampa into more homelike facilities.

Cameron Gilliland, deputy administrator of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Family and Community Services, told The Press Tuesday the physical setup and size of the Kyler House prevented the safe placement of dangerous and aggressive clients.

“As a result, Kyler House has primarily become a residence for minors and youth with some difficult behaviors, with a current population of four residents,” Gilliland added.

The high cost of operating the Kyler House, coupled with an upcoming lease expiration date, prompted the agency to look at alternatives where current residents can be successful without the high cost of placement, Gilliland said. Current residents, he added, will be transitioned into alternative placement facilities.

Agency leaders met with the parents and guardians of Kyler House residents earlier this month, according to Gilliland, to inform them of the home’s closure and discuss steps to ensure their well-being during the transition to new residential treatment locations.

“The four Kyler House residents will be in alternative placements shortly and we anticipate closing Kyler House no later than June 15, 2017,” Gilliland said.

Gilliland added the home’s closure has “absolutely nothing to do with the performance, dedication and care” provided by the facility's 18 employees.

“Their commitment to care and professionalism is demonstrated by the last two licensing surveys that showed zero citations,” Gilliland said. “We’re proud of their work, and all Kyler House employees have been offered positions at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center in Nampa if they choose to relocate.”

Keith Cousins can be reached at [email protected].