RELEASE:May 10, 2005

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Statement of DHS Commissioner James M. Davy on the CWA Brisbane report

Under the court ordered child welfare reform plan, the state is required to close the Arthur Brisbane Child Treatment Center by the end of this year.

The decision to close Brisbane was done after careful consideration and input from the Child Welfare Panel overseeing the court-ordered reform efforts. In addition, child advocates throughout New Jersey believe the institution is no longer suitable for meeting the needs of children with psychiatric needs. National best practices have indicated children thrive better when they are not placed in large institutional facilities like Brisbane .

Late last year, the Department took steps to create smaller alternative placement options for children ages 11-13 who would have been placed in Brisbane . Within the next few weeks, the Department will issue an RFP to create additional placement options for those children who remain at Brisbane .

In addition, the Department is working with the union and Brisbane staff to find suitable positions within DHS.

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