(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)
Addictions support

Sask. govt confirms plans to re-open Prince Albert youth treatment centre

Jan 25, 2025 | 2:00 PM

Almost five months after the sudden suspension of services at the Valley Hill Youth Treatment Centre in Prince Albert comes confirmation the doors will be re-opening.

According to a statement provided to paNOW by the Ministry of Health, an administrator was appointed to stabilize the organization.

“Based on the administrator’s recommendations, Valley Hill Youth Treatment Centre is anticipated to reopen and resume operations when a new executive director is hired, which is expected in the next couple of months,” they said.

The Ministry also re-affirmed its commitment to work in partnership with the Prince Albert Grand Council throughout this process and into the future “as we rebuild this important service.”

Notice of the temporary suspension was made when a typed letter by Meyers Norris Penny Ltd. was posted to the main entrance of the building. The measure took effect on Aug. 30, 2024, and the reason cited at the time by the Ministry was “operational concerns.”

No other information has been disclosed.

According to its website, Valley Hill Youth Treatment Centre, which opened in early 2013, offers a six-week, 15 single occupancy bed co-ed residential treatment program, for youth ages 12–17.

The facility is equipped with a smudge/prayer room and a classroom, which is for Youth to participate in school assignments that are brought in upon arrival or sent in.

The staff consists of a Clinical Supervisor, Community Liaison Worker, Teacher, Cultural/Recreation Support, Addiction Counselors, Youth Care Workers, and Night Support workers. Participants will also attend in-house and outside self-help groups such as AA, N/A, and Alateen.

“Our addictions treatment program uses a caring family approach and has a modular learning approach.”

Anna Dinsdale, the community safety and well-being manager for the City of Prince Albert, confirmed the city had at one point looked into the possibility of using the building as a complex needs facility, but were told it would be re-opening as a youth addictions centre.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

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