Delaware County is overhauling its approach to juvenile crime and rehabilitation, starting with demolishing the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center this summer, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

A new facility will reflect a more holistic and proactive approach to the juvenile justice system, with the promise of transforming it into an industry model.

The Detention Center in Lima has been closed since March 2021.

The facility lost its state license and was closed by Delaware County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Kevin Kelly, midst allegations of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse there.

The new planned facility is expected to have 18 pre-trial beds for juveniles, along with a community center with classrooms and other amenities.

Its focus will be on rehabilitation and prevention.

“We wanted to make sure that the look and feel were more modern, supportive and looked academic to really promote rehabilitation, and we wanted to make sure that the design promoted family and community involvement,” said David E. Irizarry, Delaware County superintendent of Juvenile Justice Services.

Feedback on the new juvenile center design came from youth-led organizations following a 12-month study.

See how Delaware County plans to revamp its juvenile criminal justice system in the Daily Times.

This PBS News Hour report from two years ago looks at America’s juvenile justice system.