CLOSURE OF YOUTH TREATMENT CAMP BLOCKED

The state Department of Health and Human Resources has been blocked
from shutting down a Canaan Valley youth treatment center, at least
until a judge can hold a final hearing to determine whether there is
any substance to the allegation that the facility puts suicidal teens
at risk.

Kanawha Circuit Judge Charlie King issued an order Tuesday placing an
indefinite stay on an administrative order the agency issued two weeks
ago that called for the Tucker County facility to be shut down and the
children enrolled there be sent back to their parents.

The closure order came in response to the February suicide of a
14-year-old Massachusetts boy, who officials say hanged himself with a
tent rope after making at least one previous suicide attempt.

Agency officials said the closure was necessary because the facility
did not have adequate resources to deal with suicidal teens.

No one with Alldredge Academy could be reached for comment, but the
institution's lawyer, Tom Flaherty, said he believed his client would
prevail in the case after a final hearing next week.

"We don't feel that (the DHHR) can support its claims, and we think we
will prevail," Flaherty said.

King decided to bar the state from closing Alldredge until Judge Duke
Bloom, who is out of the office this week, can hear evidence on the
case. Bloom's secretary has set a tentative date for the final hearing
at 8 a.m. June 22.

Alldredge offers experiential wilderness and community living programs
for boys and girls between 13 and 18 who have experienced problems
with depression, behavior and substance abuse.