Juvenile detention center is almost open for business

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County juvenile detention center is almost ready to open its doors after three years of preparation and setbacks.

Justice services staff were on hand with county judges and commissioners Monday morning to officially dedicate the new $4.6 million facility for community use with a ribbon-cutting. Afterward, local city officials, state legislators and other community members had a chance to tour the facility and admire the long-awaited handiwork.  

County officials credited Justice Services Director Debbie Stallcup for effectively managing the project through bad weather and occasionally difficult public relations.

“She brought the project in on time and under budget,” County Commissioner Mike Nielsen said.

The detention center still has about a month to go before it’s completely finished, and juveniles will likely move in before May. A 27-bed facility complete with expanded office space and conference rooms, the structure almost triples the capacity of the previous juvenile detention center. With the new detention center in place, the county won’t need to bear the time and expense of sending kids away. It will also allow juveniles to be closer to their family, loved ones and medical providers.

“The single most important thing when dealing with juveniles is to combine accountability and resources,” Magistrate Judge Debra Heise said.

The former accommodations, a converted single-family home, could house about 10 individuals before running out of space. The residence lost its certification from Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections due to several problems, including design problems and security risks. However, knowing the county was working on a solution, department officials allowed local justice services to continue using the home until a better option was available. According to Stallcup, the quality of her staff and programs convinced state officials to grant that allowance.

“I would put this staff up against any other group in America,” County Commissioner Lewis Rich said. “They’re the best.”

Securing funds for the project proved to be a difficult affair. County officials pursued a lease/purchase agreement in 2008 for a detention facility and work-release center that a district judge eventually ruled unconstitutional. In 2009, voters struck down a tax increase that would have financed the project. In the end, commissioners chose to use county reserve funds for the facility.   

Construction on the project began almost a year ago after an ceremonial groundbreaking held on May 10, 2011. The facility itself totaled $4 million, while the construction site required $600,000 to ready for the project.

At the ribbon-cutting, Stallcup thanked attendees for sticking with her during the long and tumultuous process that led to the facility’s construction.

“It shows me that you have faith in our community and our kids,” she said. “And we can’t help our kids if we send them away.”