What is the Indian Health Service (IHS) proposing to build in California?

The IHS is planning to build two Youth Regional Treatment Centers (YRTC) in California. The proposed centers will provide residential chemical dependency treatment for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth, ages 12-17. There are 12 similar IHS-funded centers around the country. The treatment programs are usually 3 to 4 months in duration and incorporate mental health services, medical care, education, aftercare planning, and family therapy. In addition, YRTCs incorporate therapeutic activities to meet the unique spiritual and cultural needs of AI/AN youth. The facilities will be nationally accredited and State licensed. They will be staffed by a team of mental health care professionals, medical providers, and traditional healers who will work in concert to treat the whole person. Each facility will offer services for as many as 32 youth at a time.