By Associated Press - Tuesday, November 26, 2019

COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Agency of Human Services wants to close the state’s only juvenile detention center next year.

The agency says it will submit a proposal to the Legislature. Staff at the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center were notified on Monday.

The agency says the decision comes after years of a steady decline in delinquent youth at the center and increased capacity for community-based acute care.

Last week Woodside was empty.

Human Services Secretary Mike Smith says the administration - through the agency - has worked with the legislature and community partners to greatly increase community capacity where youth with mental health concerns can be treated in the least restrictive setting possible. He says that’s led to a significant decline in delinquent youth in custody.

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