NORWICH – No residents of the Valley Ridge Center for Intensive Treatment have taken rehabilitation excursions in the community, assures the maximum security facility’s director, but the practice is officially permitted now.

Off-site visits in Chenango County were prohibited at Valley Ridge when a host of public and private officials laid out stipulations and commitments for accepting the facility back in 2002. Chenango County donated the Upper Ravine Road land where about 60 developmentally disabled adults who have offending or criminal behaviors are currently held.

The rules changed when Valley Ridge came under the umbrella of Broome Developmental Disabilities Services Organization in Binghamton last year. Broome DDSO’s community inclusion therapies include patronizing local stores and restaurants in Chenango County under strict supervision.

“Valley Ridge has rigorous oversight procedures to ensure those individuals who have shown progress in their treatment are allowed this opportunity with the appropriate oversight and safeguards in place,” said Nicole Weinstein, director of public information for the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).