VIDEO: Ribbon cut Wednesday for new Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility for Youth

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Lake Burien Transitional Care Facility (LBTCF) on Wednesday morning, July 17, 2024.

Located on the east end of Lake Burien at the Navos/Ruth Dykeman Center campus, the facility, which opened July 1, provides specialized care for youth aged 13 to 18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and behavioral health needs, including substance use disorder.

DSHS is leasing the staff-secure facility at the former Navos Youth Residential Treatment Center at 1043 SW 152nd Street. The property, which is now owned by MultiCare, was designed with children and youth in mind featuring accessible space for on-site educational services, sensory gym, music room, as well as outdoor recreational

Initially, it will serve 12 youth, who will be admitted through their own consent or that of their parent or legal guardian.

This is a collaborative effort by Washington state’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), and the Health Care Authority, with support from MultiCare and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

“This is a team effort that would not happen without our partners,” said DSHS Secretary Jilma Meneses. “We’re all coming together to build a beautiful model that will treat the people who need us the most.”

Lawmakers allocated $12.3 million during the 2024 Legislative Session to support the facility and assist youth who have faced extended stays in emergency rooms, out-of-state placements, or other temporary situations.

“We’re thrilled to open this much-needed facility,” said DSHS Assistant Secretary Tonik Joseph, who oversees the Developmental Disabilities Administration. “We know with the right approach and person-centered treatment and supports, we can bring these young people out of crisis and on a path to where they’re leading the lives they want to lead in the communities of their choosing.”

Below is video of the ribbon cutting ceremony/speeches as filmed/edited by Scott Schaefer, which includes speeches from Gov. Jay Inslee and other dignitaries (running time 22-minutes, 56-seconds):