Construction work begins on new Illinois Youth Center in Lincoln
Through funding from the Rebuild Illinois Capital program, construction of a new center for incarcerated youth began in Lincoln this week.
The home of the new Illinois Youth Center is at the site of the former Lincoln Development Center, which has been shuttered for more than 20 years. Gov. JB Pritzker initially announced the project in February 2021.
The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice facility - constructed by the Illinois Capital Development Board - will include two 4,300-square-foot cottages for housing and a multi-purpose facility.
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A majority of the offenders serving at the center will come from the region. Currently, many are placed at facilities in the central and southern parts of the state.
Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch welcomed the new center.
“Not only will the new Illinois Youth Center better serve those committed youth from central Illinois, and their families, by having them located closer to home, but it will also stimulate the local economy by creating new jobs, attracting new community members, and generating additional revenue for the city that can be used towards things such as road repairs and improved public services,” he said in a statement.
Included in the work are structural and security upgrades in addition to a new athletic field and outdoor basketball courts. The states the Lincoln IYC will provide secondary and continuing education, mental health services, medical care, therapeutic and vocational support, and substance abuse treatment through licensed providers.
Work is expected to be completed in summer 2024.
Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Lincoln Development Center to become new Illinois Youth Center
