M.O. Juvenile Center To Close Next Year

BOLIVAR, M.O. — The 30th Circuit Juvenile Detention Center in Bolivar will close no later than Jan. 1, 2012, the Supreme Court of Missouri announced recently.

Five other detention centers in Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, Sedalia, Union and Warrensburg will also close as part of a plan approved by the Missouri Circuit Court Budget Committee.

The facilities serve an average of four or fewer juveniles each, or a cumulative average daily total of 18 juveniles, and employ a total of 63.775 full-time equivalent positions, according to reports.

Bolivar’s facility has been at half capacity on its detention side with an average daily population of three and a capacity of eight. A report from the facility administration shows a detention average of four each in January and February and six in March.

The state employs 18.525 employees at the facility at a cost of $501,770.

The Missouri Circuit Court Budget Committee said the 30th Circuit may utilize the 26th Circuit center in Camdenton. Though that facility has been at just 13 percent of capacity with an average daily population of three and a capacity of 24, it will stay open and serve as a regional center.

The 30th Circuit facility has room for eight juveniles on the secure detention side and 16 juveniles on the shelter side.

While the closure is scheduled for the beginning of 2012, the center could close sooner to allow adequate time for staff reductions and the transition of existing staff if enough staff members resign to render operation of the facility impossible.