Efforts to establish a collaborative youth detention center involving Lehigh County and its neighbors have been on the table for nearly two years. The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners recently examined an ordinance to formally join this regional initiative.
This new plan involves Lehigh, Berks, Dauphin, and Lackawanna counties forming the Southeast Youth Detention Agency, which will manage a juvenile facility located in Berks County. The agreement, set to last 20 years, proposes each county will have access to ten of the at least 40 beds available.
The yearly operating expenses for the facility are projected to be around $10.5 million, with each participating county paying approximately $2.6 million annually.
In January, Dauphin County officially became part of the agreement, followed by Lackawanna County in February. This initiative aims to solve the issue of limited detention space, which has previously resulted in youths being sent to distant facilities in Ohio or being released earlier than intended.
Lackawanna County’s Commitment
Scheduled to commence operations in July 2027, the center will serve as a long-term solution for detained juveniles. In February, Lackawanna County Commissioners agreed to utilize this facility until at least December 31, 2047. The county anticipates spending roughly $2.6 million in the first year, slightly increasing from this year’s estimated $2.3 million, as outlined in a presentation by David Bulzoni, the county’s chief financial officer.
Lackawanna County previously operated a juvenile detention center for boys on North Washington Avenue in Scranton, which closed in 2018 when the lease ended. Since then, detained juveniles have been sent to facilities in other counties, according to Brian Jeffers, the chief of staff.
Debate Among Lehigh County Officials
During a recent meeting, several Lehigh County officials expressed support for the regional strategy, warning that missing this opportunity could be detrimental. However, some voiced reservations about the lengthy commitment, suggesting a more flexible approach might be better as community needs evolve.
Public comments also featured calls for the commissioners to consider other options closer to home. Despite differing opinions, proponents believe that a shared facility will help manage expenses and offer a secure environment for juveniles.
The final decision on the ordinance is scheduled for April 22.
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Story includes previous reporting by WVIA’s Borys Krawczeniuk. Read more from our partners at WDIY.
