Mercer Times

Plans for the closure of two existing youth facilities in New Jersey are moving forward as Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the establishment of a Youth Justice Working Group. The group, named "From Secure Care to Restorative Care," is tasked with recommending ways to repurpose these facilities.

New Jersey has been implementing comprehensive youth justice reforms, which have reduced the number of young people sent to detention centers and Juvenile Justice Commission facilities. In 2017, it was decided that the New Jersey Training School and the Female Secure Care and Intake Facility would close. Funding has been allocated for new state-of-the-art facilities designed for youth needing intensive support services, with the first facility expected to open in 2027.

Governor Phil Murphy created a Task Force in 2018 for transforming youth justice, leading to recommendations on repurposing the closed facilities. "As a national leader in youth justice reform, New Jersey has much to be proud of for improving the well-being of our justice-involved youth," said Governor Murphy. He expressed pride in Executive Order No. 42 establishing the Youth Justice Task Force.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized New Jersey's role as a model for systemic reform through initiatives like the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI). "These achievements are predicated on our continued commitment to implement innovative rehabilitative and prevention strategies," he stated.

The Female Secure Care and Intake Facility in Bordentown stands on historical grounds known as the Bordentown School site, once significant for African American education. The working group will consider this legacy while formulating its recommendations.

Key figures joined Attorney General Platkin at this announcement, including Ryan P. Haygood from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and Rev. Dr. Charles Boyer from Salvation and Social Justice. Haygood praised Platkin's leadership: "For too long, New Jersey has made deep investments in incarcerating young people." Boyer reflected on historical legacies: "I am reminded of... Rev. Walter A. Rice and Rev. I.W.L Rountree."

Under Governor Murphy's leadership, three new smaller facilities will replace current structures aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration into communities by 2027.

In addition to these efforts, $8.4 million was allocated in 2021 under a law funding Restorative Justice Hubs – community-led programs supporting youth care continuum – operational now in Camden and Essex Counties.

New Jersey remains committed to furthering its reforms under Attorney General Platkin’s guidance with continued collaboration among stakeholders involved in shaping future opportunities for youth post-justice system engagement.