New Crisis Stabilization Unit opens at former Natchez Children’s Home – Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper

NATCHEZ — Dr. Tina Bruce, proprietor of Bruce Skilled Counseling Companies, has opened a Disaster Stabilization Unit for youngsters within the former Natchez Youngsters’s House at 806 N. Union St.

Bruce mentioned the brand new 28-bed middle housed inside the previous orphanage has been in progress since January 2022 and opened final Thursday. 

“I simply haven’t publicized it. I felt I didn’t have to,” she mentioned. “We’re licensed to function by means of the Mississippi State Division of Well being. All our shoppers are with Baby Protecting Companies and have a number of totally different behaviors. The state has custody of them. The mayor and planning committee learn about it. Everyone seems to be effectively conscious of what I’ve been doing.”

Frankie Legaux, director of planning and zoning for the Metropolis of Natchez, mentioned Tuesday that whether or not or not the ability is correctly zoned for its use is “being investigated.”

The middle’s goal is to supply care to youngsters going by means of emotional and behavioral well being difficulties with licensed medical personnel on employees, 24-7. Bruce mentioned a consumer’s keep is usually not more than seven to 14 days.

“Now we have a doctor and registered nurses on employees and direct care staff. … It’s just like Brentwood (in Flowood),” she mentioned. “Now we simply have one on this space which we didn’t have earlier than.”

Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare situated in Flowood offers inpatient therapy for youngsters, adolescents and adults residing with psychological well being difficulties. In line with its web site, the ability companies people ages 5 and up.

Because the opening of Bruce’s disaster stabilization unit, neighbors have raised questions on social media about its intent and approval. One lady reported seeing a teenage woman being faraway from the ability in a police automobile on Friday night.

Bruce confirmed a teen had broken some property and Bruce was pressured to name the authorities, however it was an remoted incident.

Bruce added she has put a variety of work into the property to satisfy metropolis and state necessities.

“It’s like a house away from dwelling,” she mentioned. “It’s a pleasant setting the youngsters are in and we assist them in any side we will. We don’t decide these youngsters. The neighborhood ought to come collectively as an alternative of criticizing what’s going on.”