In 2023, it was brought to our group's attention that when the Juvenile Detention Center closed in Mecklenburg County in 2022, services for youth being detained had ceased, and due to staff shortages, conditions were not okay. For the best outcomes, it is important for youth to maintain family support, provider support, and access to their legal counsel.
We began convening meetings with stakeholders in the spring. Our meetings have included the Mecklenburg County, NC DJJ, Mecklenburg Sherriff, CMS, and nonprofit community members.
We hope these conversations will lead to solutions that benefit the entire community. The reality is that youth in detention will return to our community - we want to provide the best opportunity to return with opportunity for success.