Redesigning Juvenile Detention
INSIGHT BY
Michael Brown, AIA | Project Architect
Monroe County’s Children Detention Center expansion will support New York’s Raise the Age legislation and its goal to reform teenage offenders.
The criminal justice system has long faced criticism for failing to rehabilitate offenders, particularly young people. Teenagers face significant risks when placed in adult prisons. Not only are they vulnerable to abuse and trauma, but exposure to adult inmates can increase their chances of becoming repeat offenders. Their still-developing adolescent brain makes them susceptible to peer pressure, impulsivity, and poor decision-making. Violent adult inmates are dangerous role models for mentally and emotionally immature teenagers.
In 2018, New York State passed the Raise the Age legislation, raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18 years old. The law mandates separate and secure detention facilities for 16- and 17-year-olds and requires that every youthful offender receives the support and resources necessary to rehabilitate and avoid a life of criminal behavior.
Monroe County is demonstrating its commitment to youth justice by expanding its Children’s Detention Center campus in Rush, NY. The new design creates a nurturing environment where teenage offenders can receive the structure, support, education, and opportunities they need to avoid reoffending. The center will also have the size to support teenage offenders in surrounding counties.
Education is a critical component of the Center’s design. The daily curriculum of classes and recreation creates a school environment and routine for the teenagers, allowing them to see the possibilities of life outside of the criminal justice system. The Center will have classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor fitness activities. There will also be opportunities for job training, such as culinary or mechanics, to help every youth assimilate back into society in a normal capacity.
Life skills support is equally essential to the Center’s design. Rehabilitation services are a requirement of the legislation and are a critical component of reforming young people in the justice system. These services can help young offenders develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Every juvenile has access to their case manager, therapy, and health services. Visitation areas allow them to stay connected to family and loved ones.
Safety and programming features create a nurturing environment that prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration:
- Separate, secure bedrooms offer safety for young people and staff.
- Ability to segment youth by gender, age, mental health, and potential gang affiliation.
- Classrooms and a media library create a normal school environment.
- Casual shared dayroom allows for watching TV. and healthy activities.
- Visitation rooms keep teenagers connected to family.
- Gymnasium and fitness areas promote physical activities and team sports.
Monroe County’s Children’s Detention Center in Rush, NY is a model for how the Raise the Age legislation can be implemented. By prioritizing rehabilitation and reform over incarceration, the Center’s design complies with the legislation’s purpose to separate teenage offenders from adult prisoners and create an environment that will give them support and tools to set them on a healthy path away from the criminal justice system.
