On Feb. 20, the County of Santa Cruz began interior demolition at 5300 Soquel Ave. in Live Oak, the first step to re-imagine the building to create its first Children’s Crisis Center.
The two-story office building across from the Sheriff’s Office will have eight chairs for youth facing mental health crisis, providing 24/7 support. Currently youth are referred to facilities outside the county, a burden for parents to visit.
On the second floor, the Children’s Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program will offer a home-like setting with intensive care and treatment for up to14 days.
The goal is the remodel is to create an environment conducive to healing and recovery.
Instead of offices, the building will have conference rooms, family spaces and other amenities designed to meet the needs of young individuals in crisis.
This will expand the Health Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Services Division’s substance use disorder and mental health services.
The project is being undertaken by the county Department of Community Development & Infrastructure.
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Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz