| by Alex Nuti-de Biasi, Journal-Opinion The Vermont Department for Children and Families announced yesterday that it will develop a site on existing state-owned land in Vergennes as a “secure youth treatment center.” The Green Mountain Youth Camp will have 14 beds for “youth in crisis,” which is more than double the size of DCF’s now-abandoned planned facility in Newbury. “The natural beauty of the area and using state-owned land were key reasons behind selecting Vergennes,” said Chris Winters, Commissioner of Vermont’s Department for Children and Families, in yesterday’s announcement. DCF has been operating without a secure facility for youth in crisis since 2020, the GMYC website says. The website says the Green Mountain Youth Campus (GMYC) will add capacity to the overall system, increasing DCF’s ability to support all youth populations needing mental health care in settings appropriate for their needs. The proposed treatment center is a secure campus-style environment with two youth programs: – 8-Bed Short-Term Stabilization – 6-Bed Short-Term Treatment Evidence-Based Design In planning a new campus, DCF has partnered with the Department of Buildings and General Services (BGS) to create a therapeutic setting guided by the following principles: Physical safety and security – A sense of belonging and connection – Trauma-responsive, nature-centered – Soft finishes and color palette to complement the natural landscape – A supportive environment focused on rehabilitation, growth, and life-learning A statewide search for a site to support the unique needs of youth in crisis identified an ideal location on State-owned property in Vergennes. The state will hold a public forum on the facility on June 5. |
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Categories: State Government
when did the state buy this property and how much property is owned by the state////
Keep me posted. I wish to attend this event. Is this facility for aggressive children or the victim children?
According to the advocates for our misunderstood yoots…the aggressive children ARE the victims…the victims of their crimes are just collateral damage of our uncaring society. As for the good people of Vergennes, all I can suggest is that you lock your cars and houses up a night and dont pick up hitchhikers.