NORWICH – The Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment was found to be in compliance with all regulations last month after a four-day surprise visit from the New York State Department of Health.

Interim Director Chuck Kearley told members of the Board of Visitors this morning that despite a few modifications to paperwork, the CIT’s programs were on target. “They were very happy with what they saw,” he said.

Kearley was appointed to the position June 1 after the previous director’s retirement. Formerly a treatment team leader and then deputy director, the Norwich native has been employed at the facility since its inception in 2002. There is no indication for a time period for the director appointment.

Expansion plans continue. Architects, working in close concert with the Office of Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities, expect to finalize 60 percent of the mechanicals this week. The two-story, 14,000 square foot addition is within a secure perimeter. Groundbreaking could possibly be as early as Spring 2007.

Currently, Valley Ridge is fully-staffed and at full capacity with 60 consumers. Kearley said he expected some consumers to advance into Local Intensive Treatment facilities next year. “We expect some folks to get themselves under control and will be ready to move on this year. We are having some success in that area,” he said.