Location: Jackson, Kentucky

Like many states in the 90's, Kentucky found that it had not kept up with the demands for required and compliant juvenile housing.   As a result, the state began to provide funding to remedy this situation.   This Secure Juvenile Detention Center in Breathitt County is the first state facility constructed under the Department of Corrections Secure Juvenile Detention Standards, and it was proposed as a prototype for future secure juvenile facilities.   After construction   began, Kentucky created a new Juvenile Justice Department with responsibility over all juvenile facilities.   This facility then fell under the supervision of this new department.   The center was constructed as a 28-bed juvenile facility for pre- and post- adjudicated males and females of all classifications.   It is a single level building and consists of single occupancy rooms, day rooms, recreation areas, program spaces, administrative areas and food service facilities.

The 17,500 square foot detention center sits on six acres and lends itself to future expansion.   Because this particular region of Kentucky is in constant need of secure juvenile housing beds, the Department of Corrections required the facility to be designed for future expansion to 52 beds.

Construction systems included a slab on grade foundation; precast plank roof structure; concrete block walls with mortar and rebar in security walls; security hollow metal frames in housing and various inmate access areas; and penal doors and lcoks in specific housing areas, as well as on security vestibule and exterior security openings.  Electronic security, including intercommunications and CCTV systems are integrated onto the control room graphic panel and used throughout the facility.

Construction began in November 1995 and was completed in January 1997.