The newly renovated Shuman Juvenile Detention Center is set to re-open.
The original Shuman Center was built nearly 50 years ago, and closed in September of 2021, due to unsafe conditions.
When the facility re-opens in early May, it will have a new operator - the non-profit agency Adelphoi.
CEO Nancy Kukovich tells KDKA Radio the facility has undergone a major renovation. The most noticeable change, enhanced security measures:
“Electronic gate-keeping, there will be no keys at all, that anybody has,” said Kukovich. “Cameras, lots of camera, we’ll be monitoring both to ensure the safety of kids and staff.”
She says the new center will be broken into five pods of 12 beds each., and unlike the old facility, juveniles won't be allowed to congregate with others assigned to different pods.
“It will take those kids with the most significant allegations and take them off the streets, making it safety for everybody,” said Kukovich.
She also says the facility will play a major role in the way that courts deal with juvenile delinquents.
“We’re going to be able to provide a lot more information to judges and to do it quickly so that they can make the right determination on what it is that these kids need,” said Kukovich.