LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) — Construction is underway now in Lincoln on the new Monarch Youth Center.
The center is expected to open in early 2025, but before the doors can open the Department of Juvenile Justice is holding job screenings. The next screening for Juvenile Justice Specialists will be on August 19 and 20.
Juvenile Justice Specialists provide mentoring relationships and handle direct supervision of youth. The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions with a starting salary of $58,248.
The site was the former Lincoln Development Center (LDC) and construction began on the center in March 2023.
The renovations include upgrading mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems and improving sidewalks and roadways. The scope of work consists of a new athletic field, outdoor basketball courts, and fencing. New electronic security systems, including closed-circuit television cameras, will be installed on-site.
"It's very inviting, there's a lot of green space, a lot of free space that encourages the actual growth or development of these young people and it's introducing them to an environment that is more conducive, to such growth as opposed to the, what might say, the old gray cinderblock walls and such that we're familiar with in the old prison system," said Deputy Director Jason Burtis
Burtis told WAND News the unique part of the project was having not only administration involved in the plans but also having staff and youth involved as well.
"The staff are the ones reporting to work every day and are faced with all the challenges that come with these types of jobs," said Burtis. "We had conversations with the youth throughout our current five facilities to see how we can design the rooms, how we can design that open space, how that makes them feel."
More than 40% of youth committed to IDJJ are from central Illinois but are housed at youth centers in the northern and southern regions of the state. The Illinois Youth Center at Lincoln will establish the first youth center in central Illinois, allowing families and community organizations to participate more effectively in the rehabilitative process.
IDJJ said the project wouldn't have been made possible without the support from the Lincoln community. Bruits said from day one the city's administration and stakeholders have helped make the project happen.
The center will be able to house 30 youth.
Click here to find out how to apply.
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