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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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So Far...

IHS maintains the momentum towards establishing the two California YRTCs. 

Accomplishments include submitting the purchase-request for the northern YRTC site, and entering the design phase for the southern YRTC.

December 2012:  IHS continues to reach significant milestones in the evolution of the California YRTCs, and is even closer to establishing the two California YRTCs, the first ever in the State:   

  • Acquiring the northern YRTC site:  in September 2011, the D-Q University Trustees volunteered to transfer to the Federal government 12 acres in Yolo County, specifically for IHS to establish the northern California YRTC.  During the first half of 2012, the California YRTC Team performed and completed extensive due-diligence, which has prepared IHS to acquire the northern YRTC site.  In September, the California Area Office formally requested that IHS Headquarters approve acquisition of the 12-acre site in Yolo County.  IHS Headquarters is reviewing the request. 
  • Designing the southern YRTC:  in October 2011, IHS purchased the site of the southern California YRTC in Riverside County.  In September 2012, IHS hired an architectural contractor to design the southern California YRTC.  IHS Headquarters, the California YRTC Team, and the architectural firm are now collaborating to create the first of two model YRTC facilities.  California’s Tribal governments will have opportunities to provide their input during the design process.  IHS will have construction-ready plans for the southern YRTC in December 2013. 
  • Developing the YRTC treatment model:  the California YRTC Team and the Area Office’s behavioral health consultant have created the foundation for the California YRTCs’ treatment model.  The treatment model is based on two core principles:  1) patients will benefit from a comprehensive and integrated treatment program, and 2) biological, psychological, and social factors are the causes and the effects of substance abuse.  Therefore, each YRTC will integrate behavioral healthcare, traditional healing, spiritual values, cultural identification, academic education, and vocational training.  Throughout 2013, the California YRTC Team will continue to develop the treatment model by identifying best-practices at other IHS and Tribal YRTCs, reviewing the latest studies on effective adolescent substance abuse treatment, and creating a staffing plan for the California YRTCs.