Williamson County breaks ground on Juvenile Justice Center expansion
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Williamson County broke ground on its Juvenile Justice Center expansion project Friday.
The county said the project would include 48 new beds, a new regional courtroom to focus on family services, learning and exercise areas, counseling and administrative areas, and a larger intake and release area.
The existing space will also be reorganized to create room for additional visitation.
“In the field of juvenile justice, our agency has a history of leading new initiatives focused on improving outcomes for marginalized youth and families all while providing for public safety,” said Scott Matthew, Williamson County Juvenile Services executive director.
The juvenile justice center’s expansion and reorganization would create a facility that “aligns with the county’s ideals to treat the individual rather than the crime, which has been shown to reduce recidivism,” according to the press release.
The county said this would help the needs of the department as it continues to see an increase in more serious offenses and complex cases in Williamson County.
“This facility expansion isn’t just another building project; it is brick-and-mortar evidence of our commitment to a trauma-informed juvenile system that is a catalyst for positive change for our young people,” said Judge Stacey Mathews, of the 277th Judicial District Court.
The project’s goal is to serve the community for the next 25 to 30 years, according to the county.
