The Knox County Mary Davis Juvenile Detention Center will close indefinitely on March 21.
Chief Judge Raymond A. Cavanaugh of the Ninth Judicial Circuit announced the decision Thursday in collaboration with the Knox County Board. The closure follows a review of best practices from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.
Officials determined the expanding governmental requirements for the care, education, and health and mental health treatment of detained juveniles have created a significant financial burden on Knox County taxpayers and the circuit that is not economically sustainable. They concluded such services are better managed by larger municipalities or the state.
The Ninth Judicial Circuit includes Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties.
“On behalf of the facility’s Administration, I appreciate the dedication, support, and excellent service that our staff has shown over the years,” Cavanaugh said. “I also appreciate the support of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the Knox County Board and our superintendent Wendi Steck.”
The closure date was set pursuant to authority granted under 55 ILCS 75/3(a).
The news release does not specify where juveniles from Knox County will be detained after March 21.