HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state has approved a new live-in treatment facility for up to five boys who have behavioral problems stemming from sexual abuse or trauma.
The home run by Catholic Charities Hawaii is in the quiet “Royal Summit” neighborhood in Aiea.
There’s no opening date yet, but many residents are expressing their concern.
“A lot of unknowns. Why in our neighborhood when this is a residential area?” said Verna Ponce, a Royal Summit resident. “(There are) a lot of retirees. They are concerned with what is the safety.”
After getting approval from the Hawaii Department of Health, Catholic Charities will operate a special treatment facility for traumatized, vulnerable youth in a home off Kaahele Street.
At a neighborhood board meeting in January, many residents voiced their concerns as Catholic Charities explained their plans.
“We purchased our homes in this area thinking we were going to live in a single family community, but now there is a treatment facility that no longer holds true,” said one resident.
“We did look at many many homes and this is the home that met all the criteria that we needed to deliver that service,” said Sarah Antonce with Catholic Charities Hawaii.
A spokesperson from the Hawaii Dept. of Health told Hawaii News Now.
“Catholic Charities has been complying with all the Hawai?i State Department of Health (DOH) rules, requirements and processes, and is working to complete the steps needed to open the facility.
“The organization has met the requirements to obtain a Certificate of Need (CON).
“Additionally, the CON application process requires public notice and review before a decision to accept or reject. This process was followed.”
A full statement from the non-profit to HNN read:
Since 1998, Catholic Charities Hawai’i has partnered with the State Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD) to provide Community-Based Residential services for youth. These services help meet a need in our community by offering therapeutic support in a safe, nurturing home environment where young people can begin to heal and grow.
Out of respect for the privacy of the children we serve, we’re unable to share specific details about the facility. What we can share is our continued commitment to creating a setting that is both supportive for the youth and respectful of the surrounding community. Trained adult staff are on-site at all times to ensure consistent care and supervision.
Our staff has gone door-to-door to connect directly with nearby residents to share more about the program and answer questions. We’ve also welcomed area lawmakers and neighborhood board members to visit the home and have participated in several meetings with the Aiea Neighborhood Board and Newtown Estates Community Association to answer questions and concerns.
We continue to work alongside our lawmakers and community partners to address concerns and are grateful for the support we have received.
Catholic Charities says the home could be operational some time this year.
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