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Washington opens Lake Burien transitional care facility for youth with complex needs
Summary
State officials and health partners on Feb. 21 opened the Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility, a therapeutic residential program for youth ages 13–17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and co-occurring disorders, funded by a $12,000,000 legislative seed appropriation and run in partnership with Seattle Children’s and MultiCare.
Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility formally opened Feb. 21 in Burien, offering short-term, therapeutic residential services for youth with complex behavioral and developmental needs.
Candace Pineda, executive officer of the Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility, said the program will serve youth ages 13 to 17 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring conditions, using individualized, evidence-based treatment plans and transitional planning that begins on day one. “Our mission is to support youth with complex needs by providing a safe and inclusive environment that fosters independence, self advocacy, and personal growth,” Pineda said.
The state provided rapid seed funding to stand up the facility. “The legislature approved additional funding to make this possible. It’s about $12,000,000,” Governor Jay Inslee said, thanking lawmakers and residents who backed the appropriation. DSHS Secretary Hilma Manessas and Ross Hunter, secretary of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), described how officials and health partners moved quickly to lease space, design a treatment model and hire staff. Manessas credited Seattle Children’s and MultiCare for their roles and said the facility is hiring in excess of 100 staff to prepare for operations.
Seattle Children’s chief executive, Dr. Jeff Spering, and MultiCare Behavioral Health Network’s acting deputy president and chief medical officer, Dr. Jeffrey Eisen, said the center addresses a gap in statewide capacity that left some children in emergency departments and temporary settings. “We had kids in emergency rooms and in hotel rooms,” Ross Hunter said, arguing Lake Burien will offer a therapeutic alternative intended to reduce emergency and hospital placements.
Partners say the facility will combine clinical supports with education and community transition planning. The facility will work with Highline School District to provide on-site and off-site education, and it has partnered with the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed to train staff. Officials said the first 12 youth are expected to begin treatment in August.
Officials framed the opening as the first step in a larger effort to expand care. “This isn’t gonna solve everything. This is our start,” Dr. Spering said. Event organizers concluded the program portion of the ceremony and held a ceremonial ribbon cutting; guests were invited to refreshments and to speak with Lake Burien staff at the administration building.
Authorities, funding and specific operational details beyond the items described at the ceremony were not specified during the event; DSHS staff at the facility were listed as available to answer follow-up questions.
