Sheila Bowens Bretz, new director, outlines services and walk-in RISE program at Durham County Youth Home

Sheila Bowens Bretz, director of the Durham County Youth Home, described the facility's role in providing a "safe, secure, and positive environment" and detailed services aimed at stabilizing young people who come to the county with trauma.

Bowens Bretz said the youth home employs "a total of 49 full time employees" and about "35 to 40 youth counselors" who provide direct care. She said clinicians, psychologists and psychiatrists provide mental-health care and that educational services are delivered through Durham Public Schools while youth are in the facility. "They're going to receive mental health services from a licensed clinical, counselor as well as a psychologist, a psychiatrist," she said.

Bowens Bretz described RISE (Resources for Youth Success and Empowerment), a walk-in assessment and diversion program based at the youth home that she said aims to reduce juvenile justice entries. RISE serves Durham County youth ages 10–17, operates Monday–Friday 08:30–5, and can accept referrals from schools, juvenile justice, social workers or parents; Bowens Bretz said youth may also walk in without an appointment.

She said the RISE program tracks service volumes and follows youth and families beyond an initial referral to ensure they obtain needed services and to address barriers. Bowens Bretz also emphasized community partnerships and volunteer opportunities with local universities including Duke and UNC and urged residents not to stigmatize youth who need support.

Bowens Bretz closed by stressing the youth home's mission: to "pour into our young people" and collaborate with partners so youth "return to the community with better opportunities."