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Greene County moves youth detention to former jail

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Greene County has relocated its youth detainees to the former jail in center city.

The 1000 N. Boonville Ave. facility has undergone renovations, including safety, security and privacy modifications, to comply with state juvenile detention standards, according to a news release. More renovations are in the works, after which the remainder of the Juvenile Justice Center staff will move out of the current facility at 1111 N. Robberson Ave.

Robert Jehle, public information officer for Greene County, said the approved budget for the renovation work was $150,000 and that future renovation costs have not been finalized.

“Many of our citizens may not even realize that we have a secure youth facility in Greene County,” said Julie Austin, program manager at the Greene County Juvenile Office, in the release. “Youth detentions are used for two primary purposes: to ensure the safety of the community when youth are engaged in allegedly dangerous behaviors that may cause harm to the community and/or to ensure youth attend their court hearings if they are considered at risk of absconding.”

The average population of the youth detention facility is seven people, with the average length of stay at 14 days. With the addition of 17-year-olds to the court’s jurisdiction in 2021, longer stays are expected.

Springfield Public Schools also plans to move its detention classroom into the new location, according to the release. The average population is around six to nine youth.

“SPS has provided a great deal of assistance in this transition process, and we want to thank them for their partnership,” said Bill Prince, family court administrator and chief juvenile officer, in the release. “The detention center employs 22 full-time and part-time employees who are dedicated to the care of the youth we serve. Greene County is thankful for their contribution to the safety and security of our community and our youth.”

The Boonville Avenue facility was vacated in June after the completion of the new Greene County Sheriff’s Office and Jail, a $150 million project.

Jehle said future plans for the Robberson Avenue facility have not been determined.

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