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Washington County reviews Riverbend Place capacity as demand shifts from residential to shelter care
Summary
County HHS staff told the committee Riverbend Place (the county‑owned youth treatment center) is underused for residential treatment while demand for short‑term shelter care has risen; the county is monitoring a vendor proposal to open a 90‑day assessment center at Riverbend on May 1 and will reassess after three months.
Washington County Health & Human Services staff presented an operational review of Riverbend Place — the county‑owned youth residential and shelter program — and told the committee the facility is licensed for up to 12 beds (10 in typical full operation), but residential use has been low while shelter episodes have increased.
Coral, who walked the committee through the report, and Julie Newman said Riverbend serves two programs concurrently: residential treatment (generally intended for six to nine months) and temporary shelter placements (statutorily limited to 30 days with one 30‑day extension). Riverbend’s model allows most residents to continue attending their home schools during residential stays; staff said that continuity of schooling and family contact has been a program strength.
The report showed the county’s residential census has declined while shelter episodes and…
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