The Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center in Benton closed on Sunday, the victim of chronic staffing shortages that kept them from meeting increased state requirements.
The announcement came from the Chief Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit Court based in Mt. Vernon Melissa Morgan.
She says the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center has always been committed to providing the best services for youth entrusted in its care and that commitment has never wavered. But Morgan says the enactment of new legislation to enhance programming goals for confined juveniles will require greater staffing and like other businesses and entities through the state, workforce shortages have become increasingly difficult to manage.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Department is one of the counties utilizing the Benton facility. Sheriff Kevin Cripps says the Benton facility has been dealing with staff shortages that kept them from accepting many juvenile offenders last year. As a result, the county entered into a similar agreement to house juveniles in the Madison County juvenile detention facility in Edwardsville. He fears with the closure of Franklin County, the Madison County facility could become overwhelmed which would result in the need to help another backup facility. Cripps says that would most likely be further away increasing travel time to deliver and pick up juveniles.
In the long run, Cripps feels the county judicial system may have to look at options other than incarceration in some cases. The county can only hold juveniles in the county jail for up to seven hours.
Morgan believes this course of action is in the best interest of the juveniles, staff and communities they serve. She appreciates the dedication, support and excellent services that the Benton staff has shown over the years. Morgan also appreciates the support of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the Franklin County Board, and local community leaders.
Morgan says the decision to cease operations is made even more difficult by the loss of committed employees. She notes all employees at the facility have been provided notice of the intended closure and to ease the transition period will be compensated for an additional 30 days.