Juvenile detention center coming to Lafayette

The construction of a new juvenile detention center was accepted by the Tippecanoe county commissioners on Monday morning.

County commissioner David Byers described the $15.5 million project as a “plain and simple” 24-bed building expected to be completed in 2026.

The average stay for juveniles is around 30 days, and the detention center will be built next to the Cary Home for Children, which is a residential treatment facility and emergency shelter focused on positive youth development.

“The broad idea is to bring our kids that were placing out of the community back into our community so they can stay engaged with their families and schools," said Rebecca Humphrey, the executive director of youth services at the Cary Home, "And we can get them the services that they need to be safe in our community."

Alongside working with the Cary House, one of the main goals of the center will be education, said Miriah Anderson, county chief deputy of juvenile probation.

“We want to provide our kids with the education they need," Anderson said. "The other county facilities tried to work with our local school system, but it would be much easier if they were here. Parents also don’t have the means to travel and visit their kids to keep that family component alive as they transition back home."