TORRINGTON, Wyo. (AP) - A new housing unit is being added to a facility that treats emotionally disturbed children and will replace one that dates back to the 1930s.

"The purpose of the main building in 1930 was to take care of orphans," said Robert Mayer, executive director of the St. Joseph's Children's Home. "Times have changed and now we treat severely emotionally disturbed children. The new buildings will give us space to work with them in small groups, which is much better."

The new building will have room to house 24 children. It will include a kitchen/dining area, a recreation room, conference room, offices, medications room and group therapy room. It will cost $2.6 million.

When the children are transferred to their new quarters, the 1930s building will be transformed into additional administration space and an enlarged classroom area.

The facility built a similar housing unit in 2002.

AP-WS-03-29-04 1614EST