Cuyahoga Juvenile Court Secures $30M for New Correctional Facility
Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court has been awarded nearly $30 million to build a local community correctional facility (CCF) for young people adjudicated delinquent of felony-level offenses. The new 32-bed facility will house both male and female youths, becoming the first of its kind in the county.
Currently, there are 11 juvenile CCFs across Ohio, but none in Cuyahoga County. Families are forced to travel long distances to stay connected with their children in treatment, creating barriers to meaningful involvement in rehabilitation and reentry planning.
With 70% of county referrals rejected by out-of-county facilities due to strict admission rules, the lack of access has left many youths without adequate support.
The new CCF will be tailored to the unique needs of local youths and families. Court Administrator Timothy McDevitt emphasized that keeping young people closer to home will strengthen family participation, which is proven to improve outcomes and reduce reoffending.
The project stems from recommendations of Gov. Mike DeWine’s Juvenile Justice Working Group, which called for more localized facilities in Ohio’s largest counties. Following a competitive process with Hamilton and Franklin counties, Cuyahoga County secured this year’s funding.
At its core, this investment reflects a commitment to a child’s right to rehabilitation and family connection, which affirms that every child in conflict with the law has the right to treatment that promotes dignity, reintegration, and a constructive role in society.
