RELEASE: October 19 , 2004

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Pre-teens with psychiatric needs no longer to be institutionalized New program to serve children from Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center

HACKENSACK — As part of the state's child welfare reform plan, Department of Human Services Commissioner James M. Davy announced today a new treatment program to be operated by Youth Consultation Service (YCS) for pre-teens with severe psychiatric needs as the state begins the gradual closing of the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center .

“Today, we take an important first step in closing Brisbane ,” said Commissioner Davy. “More importantly, it is an important first step to providing alternative placements and better treatment options for our children.”

Since 1947, Brisbane has provided intensive psychiatric treatment to children with severe emotional, behavioral and/or mental health needs. As part of the state's Child Welfare Reform Plan, it is to close by December 2005. A number of enforceable milestones are also included in the Child Welfare Reform Plan including the requirement that the state provide an alternative placement and treatment to Brisbane for children ages 11-13 this fall.

The first of its kind in New Jersey , the new residential intensive treatment services program will be located at YCS' Holley Child Care and Development Center . The seven bed program will provide 24-7 care and supervision, medication management and an individualized treatment program designed specifically for each child.

“Best practices indicate children thrive better when they are not placed in large institutional facilities like Brisbane ,” explained Commissioner Davy.

The gradual closing of Brisbane is part of an overall effort to improve mental health services for children and their families. Earlier this year, DHS started adding 75 treatment home beds and 45 emergency treatment home beds for children with behavioral problems. In addition, DHS' Division of Child Behavioral Health continues to expand in-home community based services and supports so children can remain at home and not require more intensive inpatient treatment.

“We at YCS are very happy to be a part of this historic process of helping to reform the child welfare system and provide the highest quality, most innovative care for New Jersey's children,” said YCS President/CEO Richard Mingoia.

s the state's largest provider of social services for children, YCS provides individualized care through over 90 programs that include pre-school therapeutic learning centers; special education schools; infant, child and young adult residential programs; specialized foster care; adoption; counseling and support services of every kind. The organization maintains a web site at www.ycs.org

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