Big Changes Coming to South Carolina’s Juvenile Justice System with New Greenville Facility

COLUMBIA — Big Changes Coming to Juvenile Justice System!

In a significant move aimed at tackling the growing issues within the state’s juvenile justice system, lawmakers have approved a plan that will see the state’s juvenile justice department rent a closed wing of the Greenville County jail. This strategic decision comes as a response to the ongoing struggles with overcrowding at the Columbia detention center, which has been facing increased pressure from a rising number of youth waiting for sentencing.

What’s Happening?

This plan, greenlit by a committee of legislators on Monday, means the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is looking to lease a 22,000-square-foot facility in Greenville that can accommodate up to 47 young people. While that number sounds promising, the actual capacity will largely depend on how many qualified staff members can be hired to supervise these youths. The price tag for this five-year lease is estimated at around $3.3 million, and the state hopes to start the lease as early as January 1, 2025.

Why Now?

The need for this facility has become critical. Currently, the pre-trial juvenile detention center located on Shivers Road in Columbia is housing a staggering 141 young people—almost double its intended capacity of 72! With concerns escalating over safety and staffing issues, DJJ Director Eden Hendrick expressed in a letter that the “continuous overcrowded conditions at the detention center have placed unprecedented expectations” on the agency and its staff.

Adding to the challenges, the closure of Richland County’s juvenile wing over the summer sent approximately 45 additional children and teens into DJJ custody, putting even more pressure on an already burdened system. These overcrowded conditions make it increasingly difficult to address the medical and mental health needs of these youths, and the situation has become dire.

What Do Officials Say?

Michelle Foster, spokesperson for the agency, pointed out that while they aim to hire enough staff to enable the Greenville facility to house up to 40 youths, achieving that goal may take some time. “40 youth will not be able to be in the Greenville facility for quite some time,” she mentioned, highlighting the ongoing staffing challenges.

Furthermore, reports from the agency reveal alarming incidents of violence among the youths, including destructive behavior targeting both staff and facilities. Unfortunately, conditions like these can yield a dangerous scenario for everyone involved.

What’s Next?

As part of a broader strategy to combat these severe issues, the DJJ is also requesting $200 million in the upcoming budget cycle to construct a new detention center. The current facility, which was only designed for short-term stays, can no longer adequately serve a population that sometimes spends months or even years awaiting trial. In fact, 60% of the agency’s buildings remain in some state of disrepair, affecting the well-being of the juveniles housed there.

The proposed new facility aims to alleviate some of the overcrowding and provide a dedicated space for up to 120 children aged 12 to 19. An assessment conducted earlier in May indicated that extensive repairs and operational improvements were crucial for the current facilities to be safe and effective for youth rehabilitation.

Why This Matters

With the DJJ facing increasing scrutiny for the quality of care it provides, it’s become clear that the state needs to invest in long-term solutions rather than relying on temporary fixes. As the lease for the Greenville jail comes into play and the budget discussions heat up, all eyes will be on the state and its efforts to usher in a safer and more effective juvenile justice system.

Residents across the area are hopeful that with these changes, young individuals can find a more supportive environment that caters to their needs while ensuring the safety and oversight necessary for a healthy rehabilitation process.

One thing’s for sure: As Columbia prepares for the upcoming changes in the juvenile justice system, the community will be watching, waiting, and hoping for a brighter future for those involved.