New ‘Milwaukee County Center for Youth’ officially opens

New ‘Milwaukee County Center for Youth’ officially opens

State and local leaders officially opened the new Milwaukee County Center for Youth (MCCY) on Thursday.

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley was joined by county, state, and local leaders on Thursday, March 5 to officially open the new Milwaukee County Center for Youth (MCCY).

New center for youth

What we know:

The facility is located within the Vel R. Phillips Youth & Family Justice Center. 

"The Milwaukee County Youth Center, this center for youth, represents opportunity and thanks to the more than $28 million in grant funding from the state of Wisconsin and the extraordinary partnership of the advocates, the legislators, and the leaders here today, we are bringing this vision to life," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. 

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley

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The new facility will serve up to 32 young people at a time in a treatment-oriented, secure residential setting designed to foster growth, accountability, and successful reintegration into the community.

In 2018, the Wisconsin State Legislature enacted Wisconsin Act 185 to reform the state’s juvenile corrections system by replacing Lincoln Hills & Copper Lake Schools with smaller, regional Secure Residential Care Centers for Children and Youth (SRCCCYs).

The goal was to place young people closer to home, in safer and more treatment-focused environments, while maintaining strong community ties and supporting successful reentry. 

What they're saying:

"When we keep them close to home, when we keep them close to their families, their mentors, their community, we can dramatically increase their chances of success. Studies have shown that proximity matters. Family engagement reduces recidivism," said Crowley.