During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the transformation of the Green Mountain Youth Campus, emphasizing the significant changes from the former Woodside juvenile facility. Deputy Commissioner Radfi and Director of Adolescent Services Tyler Howard highlighted the outdated design of Woodside, which featured cinder block walls and limited natural light, creating an environment akin to a correctional facility.

Howard noted that the old facility, which had been operational for years, was demolished to make way for a new mental health care facility in Essex. He stressed the importance of this transition, clarifying that the Woodside building no longer exists and has not been in use for the past two to three years. This change marks a pivotal moment for the Department for Children and Families (DCF), as they currently lack an in-state facility for juvenile services.

The officials expressed optimism about the future of youth services in the state, indicating that the new facility aims to provide a more supportive and appropriate environment for adolescents in need of care.