COLUMBIA, S.C. — Construction Underway for New Youth Psychiatric Treatment Facility
Exciting news is coming from Columbia, where a groundbreaking ceremony took place on Monday to mark the beginning of construction on a brand-new psychiatric treatment facility dedicated to helping youth who are receiving assistance from the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). This facility is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) and Correct Care South Carolina. It’s aimed at offering crucial support to young individuals who find themselves entangled in the justice system.
A Step Toward Better Care
Robert Kerr, the director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, expressed his enthusiasm about the new facility. He stated, “This is just one piece of the puzzle. We are putting children that have gone into justice-involved situations into a setting where we hope we give them a better chance.” This groundbreaking event symbolizes the first step toward providing enhanced care to youth facing mental health challenges.
Kerr further emphasized the need for a higher standard of care within the behavioral health system in both public and private sectors. He urges all involved in this initiative to focus on delivering that quality of assistance. “We’ve got an opportunity to deliver a standard of care that I think is lacking in behavioral health,” he noted.
Focusing on Youth with Serious Mental Health Needs
The SCDMH has pointed out that this new facility will primarily cater to youths who have been committed to DJJ. DJJ Executive Director Eden Hendrick expressed her feelings regarding the necessity of this project. “I can’t explain to you how necessary and important this is,” she said. Many of the young individuals entering these programs face severe mental health issues.
Hendrick emphasized, “We often talk about the youth, but we really don’t see their personal stories and their struggles and their trauma.” She highlighted the challenges these youth encounter after arriving at DJJ, remarking that the environment can be tough, transforming their rehabilitation experience into a daunting journey. “No one’s going to sit here and tell you that DJJ is an easy place to be rehabilitated,” she acknowledged.
Meeting the Unique Needs of Vulnerable Youths
Many young people in this system suffer from mental health disorders or have been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses. “These youth really need something different,” Hendrick affirmed. The current settings are not tailored to provide the specialized care these individuals genuinely need, and unfortunately, private treatment facilities often refuse admission to individuals with a history of *assaultive or destructive behaviors.*
The state’s new psychiatric treatment center promises to create a safe and secure environment for these youth, ensuring they receive the necessary attention and support. Governor Henry McMaster added, “We have an opportunity, as well as an obligation, to see young people have a chance to move on.” He referred to these individuals as the state’s greatest resource, underlining the importance of nurturing their potential.
Looking Ahead
The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by late 2025. Governor McMaster reflected on the significance of this development, stating, “This is a big step in that direction to bring all our resources together.” He also acknowledged the remarkable talent and dedication within the state, emphasizing that collaboration is key to making substantial progress in supporting the youth.
As construction continues, the hope is that this facility will not only provide much-needed care but also set a standard for mental health services in the community. By delivering tailored support, South Carolina aims to empower these young individuals, offering them a brighter path forward.
