MILWAUKEE – In a statement, County Supervisor Felesia A. Martin expressed her support for a proposal from Department of Health and Human Services director Mary Jo Meyers to renovate existing youth facilities, rather than build a new secure facility.
“It is important to have our kids close to home and close to their families while receiving culturally relevant treatment that meets their needs. These children are already a part of our community and with our correctional facilities here in Milwaukee we can monitor them more closely in a more effective manner. I strongly support updating the facilities we already have as a responsible solution and I encourage the community to get involved to help make this successful. Setting an example and providing guidance can make us all part of the solution towards progress,” said Supervisor Martin.
Director Meyers has submitted an RFP to the state of Wisconsin requesting $41.8 million to upgrade the Vel Phillips Youth Detention Center and several residential care facilities.
