Work will begin soon to build three new homes for individuals with complex needs in California’s coastal region.
The homes will be side-by-side in the Harbor Village community in Costa Mesa, at the site of the former Fairview Developmental Center. Each home will accommodate five individuals with complex needs. The Department is working with state and local partners in the early phases of development.
Individuals with complex needs may require specialized care and support. Complex support needs may include a combination of physical disabilities, mental health conditions, behavioral issues, or a history of trauma. The Complex Needs project will support adolescents and adults in crisis using a team-based approach. It is based on the successful STAR (Stabilization, Training, Assistance and Reintegration) model. STAR has been effective serving individuals in crisis throughout California.
The program is for individuals who have spent a long time in hospitals, juvenile detention, jail, or other strict settings. The goal is to help these individuals stabilize during their 18-month stay. It also aims to prepare them for a future in their permanent home.
The program will use enhanced staffing, integrate with local mental health resources, provide structured programming, and a trauma-informed environment. As individuals make progress, there will be opportunities to take part in programs such as:
- Education
- Career and technical education/training
- Community volunteer work
- Training and experience in accessing libraries, parks, health services, community centers, transportation, and shopping
These opportunities will help develop skills needed to lead self-determined, independent lives. The Department will provide periodic updates on the progress of the Complex Needs project in this newsletter.
