In a move to refocus its resources, the Salvation Army in Calgary is closing two long-running school-based programs that help children with behavioural problems.

The Bridges and Links programs, which have been in operation for almost two decades, will close June 30, the charity group announced Friday.

The programs help about 200 elementary and pre-school children deal with extreme emotional problems so they can return to a regular classroom.

"We realized we had to narrow our focus and reassess how we spend the resources, our human resources and our fiscal dollars, and made that decision that if we step down from the Bridges and the Links, there are other service providers who will step up to the plate," explained Maj. Ron Cartmell, commander of the Salvation Army's Calgary and southern Alberta division.

"We want to tell the families that this is all being worked through, and we are committed to them, and we're not just going to leave them in a lurch."

He said the group may shift its resources to its efforts against homelessness and poverty. About 85 employees are affected by the closures, but Cartmell said about half of them will be moved to work in other programs.