News release

Dayspring Treatment Centre for Youth Opened

Community Services

Community Services Minister Francene Cosman officially opened a residential treatment facility today near Bridgewater to serve youth in western Nova Scotia.

The Dayspring Adolescent Treatment Centre, operated by Family and Children's Services of Lunenburg County, is an important piece of the department's plan to expand and enhance residential services across the province for youth with mental and behavioural difficulties, said the minister.

"We are committed to serving our children as close to home as possible," said Ms. Cosman. "This facility will allow young people to get treatment and return to their homes as soon as possible."

The Dayspring centre is one of four regional programs promised last year by the minister. Projects are also under way to add beds or support services in Dartmouth, Pictou and Sydney.

"Regional placement options are the essential building blocks of a complete continuum of services in Nova Scotia," said Ms. Cosman. "I know children and families in the province will be better served by having these services close to home."

The Dayspring Adolescent Treatment Centre will house up to 10 youth, aged 12-18, who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, and mental health difficulties. Placements are considered long-term, at 12 to 24 months. There will also be two beds for short-term emergency placements.

The treatment program focuses on behaviours that prevent the boy or girl from successfully living in a less structured environment. It will also offer an innovative combination of recreation, education and mental health supports for residents.

The completion of the regional facilities allows the department to proceed with the final piece of the care continuum, secure treatment. Finance Minister Don Downe announced in the recent budget speech that development of a secure treatment facility will proceed this year.

Ms. Cosman, with Pauline Himmelman, chair of Family and Children's Services of Lunenburg County, unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the Dayspring centre.