DJJDP Celebrates a New Day in Juvenile Justice
With the Dedication of the Chatham County Youth Development Center
 
The first of four replacement youth development centers to open across the State in 2008 was dedicated Friday, April 18, 2008 in Chatham County.  Community members, lawmakers, government officials, juvenile justice representatives, and school officials were all on hand to celebrate a new day for juvenile justice in North Carolina. 

The replacement facilities will be the foundation of a more therapeutic approach to providing services to our youth and their families, with the intent of a community-oriented juvenile justice system.  By building smaller, community-based facilities throughout the State, the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will be able to more effectively assist youth with the skills they need to become productive citizens in North Carolina’s communities.

Secretary Sweat stated, “Now that we have these buildings, we must ensure that the young ladies served by this facility receive the best services possible so they can become productive citizens.  In order to create these therapeutic environments, the Department will need adequate, well trained, and dedicated staff.”  The Secretary made his case to the Joint Legislative Corrections, Crime Control, and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee for increased staffing for all of the Department’s youth development centers early this week. 

The Department will also call upon the community members to volunteer with the young ladies served by this facility.  The Department has seen that youth who have a strong community support structure are much more likely to be successful.  If community members are interested in volunteering, they may contact the Department. 
   
The new Chatham County youth development center will house 32 females in four different eight bed housing units. A blended education-treatment Model of Care will serve as the programming they receive.   

The Chatham County youth development center was built at a cost of approximately $6 million and will have annual operating budget of slightly over $3 million.  The facility will also bring at least 66 new jobs to the county.