Secure Care Centre Opens in Truro for Nova Scotia Youth
COMMUNITY SERVICES--Secure Care Centre Opens in Truro for Nova Scotia Youth
Nova Scotia's Department of Community Services officially opened the province's first secure-care facility today, Nov. 12, in Truro. The Wood Street Centre helps young people in the care of the Minister of Community Services who need treatment in a secure setting for their safety and well-being.
The centre's clients struggle with emotional and behaviourial disorders as a result of experiences with abuse, neglect or other difficult circumstances in their family lives.
"The Wood Street Centre is a place for children and youth to find care, stability and security at home in Nova Scotia," said Premier John Hamm. "This centre will be a safe place for our young people who need considerable help finding solutions to their life challenges."
It is anticipated that the vast majority of young people who will access the centre will be between the ages of 12 and 16. However, some may be younger or older, depending on individual circumstances. As many as 200 young people may pass through the centre each year.
The centre's programs and services will focus on short-term crisis diffusion and problem-solving, based upon brief therapy and crisis-intervention approaches. Time spent at the Wood Street Centre is an opportunity for the young person to receive caring, professional support and assistance. A treatment team will work with the family to develop treatment plans for the young person.
"The Wood Street Centre will ensure the safety and security of the young person while caregivers and service providers have a chance to establish a new plan of action for the young person's return to the home community," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services. "While at the Wood Street Centre, the young person will receive the support, stabilization and security they need to achieve long-term and positive change in his or her life."
Centre staff include a facility manager, chief of clinical services, supervisors, youth-care workers, clinical social workers, a nurse, a teacher, administrative-support staff, and a team of specialized consultants in psychiatry, psychology and medical services. The centre will offer 20 beds, classrooms, recreational space, a family unit and clinical, administrative and meeting space.
All referrals to the Wood Street Centre must go through the local child-welfare authority. The centre will only serve children and youth who are determined to be in need of protection under the Children and Family Services Act.
Secure Care is one of a number of provincially funded programs serving families, children and youth. Complementary services include addiction counseling, children's mental health programs and services to youth in conflict with the law.