The Okeechobee Youth Development Center (OYDC) is a behavioral and mental health treatment program that serves males, ages 13 to 21, who are adjudicated high-risk. Youth in this program will have an average length of stay that ranges from 9 to 12 months and a treatment plan that include Mental Health Overlay Services. OYDC offers mental health overlay services, substance abuse prevention and counseling, case management, life and social skills training, behavior modification, release and transition planning, and recreation and leisure activities. Co-located with OYDC is the Okeechobee Youth Correctional Center (OYCC).
The Okeechobee Youth Correctional Center (OYCC) is a maximum-risk program that serves committed males between the ages of 13 and 21. The program is highly structured and provides secured care, cognitive-behavioral treatment and evidence-based services. The program offers education and vocational training, Mental Health Overlay Services (MHOS) and substance abuse prevention and counseling, case management, life and social skills training, behavior modification, release and transition planning, and recreation and leisure activities. The anticipated average length of stay is between 18 and 36 months.
Each of the treatment programs offers psychotherapeutic services that include individual, family, or group counseling, cognitive skills training, and relapse prevention training. Therapy is provided by qualified mental health and substance abuse professionals under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Psychiatric services, including psychiatric evaluation, psychopharmacological services, treatment recommendations and consultation, are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a licensed psychiatrist.
Clothing and shoes for the young men are provided by each program.
OYDC and OYCC are Type 3 programs, offering English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reading. Career and technical opportunities are offered.
Academic services are provided by the Washington County School District.