ATLANTA (March 3, 2011) — Sen. John Bulloch (R-Ochlocknee) and Rep. Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert) have expressed concerns over the closing of the Blakely Regional Youth Development Center. The Department of Juvenile Justice is closing this facility due to budget constraints.
“Closing the Blakely Regional Youth Development Center will be detrimental to the communities in Southwest Georgia. This facility provides jobs for the area; offers help for kids who have broken the law and help gets them back on track to become a contributing member of society,” said Sen. Bulloch. “After working with the department to ensure this facility stays open, I’m incredibly disappointed that reductions couldn’t be found elsewhere.”
“It’s a sad day for Blakely and Early County. The Blakely Regional Youth Development facility has done so well for juveniles in the area and I think it’s a terrible mistake for the Department of Juvenile Justice to close this facility,” said Rep. Greene. “I know sacrifices must be made, but we have to be careful where we cut. These youth shouldn’t be faced with bearing the brunt of the economic recession.”
The department’s budget will be reduced by $5.4 million. The closure of the 30-bed Blakely RYDC in Early County will be effective April 1, 2011. The youth affected by this move will be transferred to other facilities nearby where beds are currently available.
The Blakely RYDC provides temporary, secure care and supervision to youths who are charged with crimes or who have been found guilty of crimes and are awaiting disposition of their cases by a juvenile court. Youths committed to the custody of DJJ are frequently held in secure detention while awaiting placement in one of DJJ’s treatment programs or facilities. The program also provides education, individual guidance and counseling, medical services, recreation, and arts and crafts. Clothing, meals, and medical and emergency dental care are a part of each center’s basic care program.
Sen. John Bulloch serves as Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. He represents the 11th Senate District which includes Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller and Seminole counties and portions of Mitchell and Thomas counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0040 or by e-mail at john.bulloch@senate.ga.gov.
Rep. Gerald Greene represents the 149th House District, which includes Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Randolph, and Seminole counties. He can be reached at gerald.greene@house.ga.gov
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 3, 2011
For Information Contact:
Katie Wright, Communications Manager
Katie.Wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028