County's Youth Assessment Center to open soon

Romules Durant, Toledo Public Schools superintendent, speaks about the Lucas County Youth Assessment Center in the Lucas County juvenile court.

Officials announced today details about the soon-to-open Youth Assessment Center at the Lucas County Juvenile Justice Center.

The new assessment center, housed in the justice center, will open formally Oct. 1, said juvenile court Judge Denise Navarre Cubbon.

Juveniles who are arrested for low-level offenses -- including truancy, theft, and drug or alcohol related charges -- will be taken to the center where a staff of counselors and others will interview the youths to determine the best-possible treatments or interventions.

By not holding teens who do not pose a risk to the community in detention, officials said recidivism rates should decline.

The assessment center will be funded by a reallocation of general fund money and several grants.

Officials expect to see more than 2,000 youths in the center every year.