Green Hill School has officially earned the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare accreditation for meeting or exceeding national health care standards.
The accreditation means GHS staff are providing young people with the same or better medical, mental, dental, and vision services than they would receive in their communities.
“Having access to high quality services such as substance abuse treatment, medical care and mental health treatment are some of our best tools for rehabilitation and aid in setting young people up for success when they are no longer in our care,” said Jennifer Redman, Green Hill School Interim Superintendent.
This year, Green Hill School met all 61 standards for Juvenile Detention and Confinement Facilities including:
- Completing medical exams within a week of young people arriving on campus.
- Promptly addressing recommendations from specialty care providers.
- Creating policies that cover staffing patterns, medication administration, and nursing protocols.
- Providing semi-annual diet reviews that are approved by a registered dietician to ensure that young people have access to a healthy diet.
- Offering young people at least one hour of exercise each day outside of their room.
“I am so proud of staff for earning this accreditation, despite facing ongoing challenges with overcrowding, they are working together to make sure young people get much-needed treatment and timely healthcare,” said Redman.
Green Hill School and Echo Glen Children’s Center have maintained this accreditation for the past 30 years. The facilities undergo an audit every three years to maintain the accreditation.