2004-10-22 TPACIFICQUEST - Laserfiche WebLink

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that its counter to what the Applicant is proposing for it to be used. So like, and if I could read that statement, if I may, Chair? GALDONES:Proceed. ALAMEDA:It says, We can included in this application the desire to operate a Special Treatment Facility because our program is voluntary and deals only with high functioning compliant students. You know, I mean, that statement already, Special Treatment Facility from my purview is really for those youngsters who are not high- functioning and who are non-compliant. So just at kind of at the get-go, I can tell you that this is very unlikely that if they go with that reason, they wont get a license by the Department of Health, under the definition of a Special Treatment Facility. Special Treatment Facilities are those for a non-compliant, low-functioning, substance abuse, mentally challenged, disabled. So, its kind of for the Applicant to be aware of that. You dontwanttowasteyourtime,yeah? GALDONES:Perhaps,CommissionerAlameda,whentheApplicantcomes forward you could raise that with them. ALAMEDA:Sure. YUEN:Let me ask you this. If somebody set up a Special Treatment Facility that required that the participants be voluntarily there and not involuntarily committed, is that against the rules? ALAMEDA:I think they could be voluntarily committed, so that wouldnt be against the rules. Its just the whole purpose of a Special Treatment Facility. Cause the purpose, there is a, I guess the philosophy in the Department of Health is that youngsters shouldnt be raised in facilities, they should be raised in communities, in families. And the only time a youngster should be put in a facility is if weve exhausted those prior options. And, so, thats why Special Treatment Facilities are really for those very highly restrictive types of placements. Its a residential placement almost. So it goes counter to Department of Healths, I guess, philosophy of keeping kids in families and not letting them be raised in a program. YUEN:Okay. Lets talk about it with the Applicant when they come up. SIRACUSA:It looks like weve got a conflicting definition of terms between the Applicant and the Department of Health here; and, I dont know, its raising some red flags for me. But I have nothing else to say about that at this time until we have a chance to talk to the Applicant. GALDONES:Further questions or discussions with Jeff on the application? Seeing none, is the Applicant or its representative present with us today? Could you please come forward? Could you please raise your right hand? Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth on this matter now before the Hawaii County Planning Commission? 5