Major changes are on the way to Allegheny County\u2019s juvenile detention center. <\/p>\n
The Shuman Center<\/a> closed back in 2021 after the state revoked its license. It reopened in 2024<\/a> under a new name and with a capacity of just 12 beds. <\/p>\n The project was a major topic of discussion at the first meeting of the newly re-formed Juvenile Detention Advisory Board. <\/p>\n Right now, the former Shuman Center can house up to 12 juveniles. The plan is to increase that to 60 by the end of 2028. <\/p>\n \u201cSixty seems like a big jump. How do we get to sixty?\u201d one board member asked. <\/p>\n Erin Dalton, Director of the County\u2019s Department of Human Services, said the need is actually greater. <\/p>\n \u201cThere were over 230 youth that met criteria for detention but there was not an ability to detain because we didn\u2019t have space,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n The plan is to have a construction contract approved by May 2026, two new pods (24 beds) by mid-2027 and the remaining pods open by 2028. <\/p>\n The cost was not discussed. <\/p>\n Channel 11 asked County Executive Sara Innamorato about it. <\/p>\n \u201cI do not have those numbers. It all is going to depend on what the state can also provide the county,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n Channel 11 also reached out to District Attorney Stephen Zappala\u2019s Office about the expansion but did not hear back.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92025 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n