News & Media
The Children’s Alliance elevates the issues affecting children and families throughout Mecklenburg County. Through advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement, we bring attention to pressing challenges and work alongside nonprofit leaders, elected officials, service providers, and other partners to advance meaningful solutions.
Our work helps inform public policy, strengthen community partnerships, and inspire action that improves outcomes for children and families. Media coverage, interviews, press releases, and event highlights reflect the Children’s Alliance’s ongoing commitment to shaping conversations and creating positive change across our community.

Jail North juvenile facility standoff: Children’s Alliance warns $18M could leave Mecklenburg County
August 5, 2026 | Dedrick Russell (WBTV)
Read and watch the WBTV coverage
Mecklenburg leaders remain divided over reopening juvenile detention center as sheriff seeks $18M plan
August 5, 2026 | WCNC Charlotte
Future of Mecklenburg County’s Juvenile Detention Center
August 5th, 2026 | WCNC
Children’s advocates join Sheriff McFadden’s push to reopen juvenile jail
August 5, 2026 | Miana Massey (WSOC-TV)
Read and watch the WSOC coverage
Follow-Up Coverage:
Overcrowding, drugs and health crisis behind Mecklenburg jail deaths, sheriff says
February 16, 2026 | WBTV
Read the WBTV follow-up
Mecklenburg sheriff says children’s group is being misleading about jail money
August 6, 2026 | Laura Horne (The Charlotte Observer)
Dispute over where Mecklenburg County’s juvenile detainees should be housed puts millions at stake
August 5, 2026 | Jen Cardone (Queen City News)
Former Mecklenburg Juvenile Detention Facility to Reopen Without Juveniles
Carolina Public Press | June 30, 2026
Read the Story
https://carolinapublicpress.org/75994/former-mecklenburg-juvenile-detention-facility-to-reopen-without-juveniles/
Also published by The Charlotte Post on July 10, 2026.
Mecklenburg County Plans to Reopen Jail North Amid Overcrowding Crisis
WCNC Charlotte | May 19, 2026
Overcrowding Crisis Prompts Reopening of Detention Center North
WSOC-TV | May 19, 2026
Who Will Pay to Reopen Jail North?
WCNC Charlotte | February 27, 2026
Watch the Story
https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/jail-north-juvenile-detention-2-27-2026/275-5fa2e837-22fe-43f4-9849-bb73320f8665
State and Local Leaders Push to Reopen Jail North
WFAE | February 16, 2026
Read the Story
https://www.wfae.org/text/crime-justice/2026-02-16/state-and-local-leaders-make-push-to-reopen-jail-north
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Commits to Reopening Juvenile Jail
WBTV | February 16, 2026
Watch the Story
https://www.wbtv.com/2026/02/16/mecklenburg-county-sheriff-commits-reopen-juvenile-jail-what-we-know/
Nearly $18 Million Needed to Reopen Mecklenburg Juvenile Detention Center
WCNC Charlotte | February 16, 2026
Watch the Story
https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/mecklenburg-county-juvenile-detention-center-future-reopening/275-d0b6c5a3-34eb-4f5e-8e2c-18b766d23433
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Pushes to Reopen Juvenile Jail
WSOC-TV | February 16, 2026
Watch the Story
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/mecklenburg-county-sheriff-pushes-reopen-juvenile-jail-seeks-funding-staff/KCXP5M5VVJHZDGG4TYQRDCESCE/
Momentum Builds to Reopen Mecklenburg County’s Juvenile Detention Center
WCNC Charlotte | February 13, 2026
Watch the Story
https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/mecklenburg-county-nc-juvenile-detention-momentum-2-13-2026/275-d06d7a1b-3102-45b4-942c-ab4b77bec04c
Amid a Shortage of Juvenile Detention Beds, a Mecklenburg Facility Sits Empty
North Carolina Health News | January 12, 2026
Read the Story
https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2026/01/12/shortage-juvenile-detention-beds-mecklenburg-facility-empty/
Also published by WFAE and Queen City Nerve.
City Leaders Review Proposals to Reduce Crime in Charlotte
WSOC-TV | March 25, 2025
Watch the Story
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/city-leaders-review-proposals-cut-down-crime-queen-city/R54BHO7WVREY5KSNNYXEJXF72A/
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