Search continues for permanent solution to Allegheny County juvenile detention housing

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — The search for a permanent solution to juvenile detention housing in Allegheny County continues.

Channel 11 first told you a week ago about a letter sent to county council from the County Police Chiefs Association.

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In the letter, President Craig Campbell requested help from council in finding a temporary and permanent solution to the lack of “safe housing of violent juvenile offenders in Allegheny County.”

The letter also outlined six separate instances where juveniles, either released to family or on electronic monitoring, committed violent crimes in the county.

“The current situation, what we have today, isn’t serving or servicing the need,” Council At-Large Sam DeMarco told Channel 11. He was part of a contingent that visited the former Shuman Center on Tuesday.

Reopening the center had been outlined as a possible solution to the issue by Campbell.

“It’s a long way from being able to be reopened. It’s not like somebody can go in there tomorrow and turn the switches on,” DeMarco said.

Channel 11 reached out to County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s Office. We received a statement that said:

“We’re working to evaluate and plan out the steps needed to bring the building up to current standards. We expect that we will have a temporary solution by end of year, but a permanent solution will take longer.”

“The county executive’s office is working for it. I believe they are doing the right thing. Do I wish it could’ve happened much sooner? I think everybody does,” DeMarco said. “It’s only part of the puzzle, it’s a piece of a puzzle.”

Council is also working on a committee to look more closely at the issue.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Allegheny County Council takes step in potentially reopening Shuman Juvenile Detention Center

DeMarco tells Channel 11 to expect more information on the Shuman Center in the coming weeks.

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