A new youth facility proposed in Vergennes, Vermont, will not accommodate older teens aged 18 and 19, following community feedback and concerns from local officials. The Green Mountain Youth Campus aims to provide therapeutic support for younger, justice-involved youth, but the decision to exclude older teens has sparked discussions about the implications for the local community and the state’s juvenile justice system.
Key Takeaways
- The Green Mountain Youth Campus will focus on youths aged 12 to 18, excluding those aged 18 and 19.
- The decision comes after community concerns about housing older teens at the facility.
- The facility is intended to replace the closed Woodside juvenile detention center.
- The state is also considering repealing the "Raise the Age" statute, affecting how older teens are treated in the justice system.
Background of the Facility
The Green Mountain Youth Campus is being developed as a treatment center for youths who have been involved in the justice system. Initially, the plan included 14 beds for youths aged 12 to 18, with a proposal to expand to 22 beds to include older teens. However, after consultations with local stakeholders, state officials decided to revert to the original plan, citing concerns about the facility’s ability to meet diverse needs across different age groups.
Community Concerns
Local officials, including Mark Koenig, chair of the Vergennes Ad Hoc Committee, expressed surprise at the initial proposal to include older teens. The community’s apprehension stemmed from fears about the potential impact of housing older youths alongside younger ones. Koenig emphasized the need for clarity in the facility’s purpose, likening it to buying a car without knowing its specifications.
Changes to the Proposal
The revised plan for the Green Mountain Youth Campus will maintain the 14-bed capacity and focus on providing therapeutic services. Additionally, state officials have indicated that they will enhance vocational program offerings within the facility. Tyler Allen, the adolescent services director, noted that the decision to exclude older teens was made to better serve the specific needs of the younger population.
Legislative Context
The decision to exclude older teens from the facility comes at a time when the Vermont government is considering repealing the "Raise the Age" statute. This law currently allows 18-year-olds charged with minor offenses to be tried in family court rather than adult court. The proposed repeal could lead to more youths being placed in adult facilities, raising concerns about the treatment of young offenders in the state.
Next Steps for Vergennes
As the state moves forward with the Green Mountain Youth Campus, Vergennes officials are awaiting further communication regarding the facility’s specifics. The city has requested additional state investments in public safety and infrastructure to support the community’s needs as the facility is developed. City Manager Ron Redmond indicated that the city is in a holding pattern, waiting for responses from state officials regarding their inquiries.
The future of the Green Mountain Youth Campus remains a topic of significant interest and concern for the Vergennes community, as stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of youth justice and community safety.
