Department Continues to Lay Groundwork for Replacement Facilities; Holds Two Groundbreaking Ceremonies in November

The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention continues to lay the groundwork for what promises to be a successful endeavor for youth, families, and communities across the state of North Carolina.  In November 2006, the Department held  two groundbreaking ceremonies to mark its continued replacement facility efforts.  The ceremonies announced the construction of youth development centers in Chatham and Cabarrus counties.  These groundbreakings follow the Department’s first groundbreaking held in Lenoir County in September.  Community members, lawmakers, government officials, juvenile justice representatives, and school officials were in attendance.

The construction of these replacement facilities will become the foundation for an effective, community-oriented juvenile justice system.  By providing youth throughout North Carolina with smaller, community-connected facilities, the Department will more effectively assist youth with the tools needed to become productive members of North Carolina’s communities. 

Both the Chatham County Youth Development Center and the Cabarrus County Youth Development Center will offer a positive economic impact to their local communities.   The 32-bed facility in Chatham County will provide approximately 71 jobs with an estimated annual operating budget of $3.2 million to the local community and the 96-bed facility planned for Cabarrus County will provide approximately 203 jobs with an estimated $9.1 million annual operating budget.

Construction on both facilities is to be completed within the next 18 months.