ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement Wednesday to join four other counties in creating a regional juvenile detention center in Berks County.

The agreement with Berks, Dauphin, Delaware and Lackawanna counties establishes the Keystone Regional Youth Center, a secure juvenile detention facility expected to offer at least 40 beds. Each participating county will cover 20% of the operating costs and receive access to eight beds. The agreement spans 20 years, according to official documents.

Lehigh County closed its own juvenile detention facility in 2014 following a decline in secure placement needs. However, commissioners noted a subsequent statewide shortage of secure beds, which can force female juveniles into out-of-state placements at times.

Commissioner Antonio Pineda called the regional agreement the culmination of a yearslong effort to resolve the shortage.

The regional facility will include treatment areas and space for mental health services, officials said.

Participating counties will help oversee policy and day-to-day operations, giving Lehigh County greater involvement than it had with private placements, they said.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig said county officials evaluated several alternatives, including a potential partnership with Northampton County, before selecting the regional plan.

“We ultimately really came to believe this is what’s best for the juveniles, what’s best for us, really the best solution overall,” Fevig said.

Commissioner Geoff Brace emphasized that the county must also invest in mental health and preventive services.

“This regional plan is the best path forward to ensure predictability with Lehigh County,” Brace said.

Commissioner Ron Beitler noted that while few juveniles require secure placement, the need remains. Out of roughly 450 juveniles under county supervision at any time, about five require secure placement, he said.

The eight commissioners present — which included Sheila Alvarado, Phillips Armstrong, Beitler, Brace, Fevig, Dan Hartzell, Pineda, and April Riddick — voted unanimously in favor. Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi was absent.

Caseworker position

Commissioners approved an agreement with Pennsylvania Social Services Union, Local 668, to establish a new Caseworker 1 classification in the Department of Human Services.

The Grade 16 position carries a 2026 salary range of $51,383 to $68,689 and is expected to be revenue neutral for the 2026 budget.

The caseworker will provide social services and case management for children, youth, families, individuals with intellectual disabilities and others. Key duties include connecting clients with community resources, conducting interviews and follow-up visits, documenting services, and assisting clients with housing, childcare and employment needs.

Fevig noted that the new role will aid in recruiting and training caseworkers, including recent college graduates and internship participants.

Brace added that the position creates a new entry pathway into the Human Services workforce without increasing overall staff headcount.

The measure was approved by voice vote.