Allegheny County is looking to find a juvenile detention option to replace the closed Shuman Center.
County Executive Rich Fitzgerald on Tuesday announced county Manager Jennifer Liptak would lead an effort, in conjunction with the courts, “to reestablish a county-run facility, or to create a public-private partnership, preferably with a not-for-profit . . . provider, for this needed resource.”
A news release said that since the closing of Shuman in September 2021 the county has been trying to find a solution that would meet the needs of the courts and those of surrounding counties.
“While those discussions have continued, this region has also seen an increased urgency to have additional facilities available for the placement of juveniles,” the release said.
The county has seen some high-profile crimes, particularly shootings, committed by young teens. But the alternatives for monitoring them pending disposition of their cases have often been either the county jail or devices such as ankle bracelets.
Mr. Fitzgerald’s announcement noted that Shuman was built in Lincoln-Lemington to hold up to 120 youths but saw fewer and fewer offenders sent there as courts moved away from detention. But that left only the most serious offenders in the facility.
In addition, the state revoked its operating license after numerous violations.
“Whatever the solution,” Mr. Fitzgerald said, “a facility for juveniles will need to include education, health services, social services, religious services, and recreation.”
Earlier this month, a coalition of activist groups, while questioning the need for any detention facility, called on public officials to not contract with a private company to run one.
First Published: February 28, 2023, 4:36 p.m.
Updated: March 1, 2023, 1:29 p.m.
