Feb. 13, 2026 3:30p
(WGTD)---The new Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center is operating at its targeted capacity.
Hope Otto, Director of Racine County Health and Human Services, gave an update on WGTD’s Morning Show.
The center, which opened last spring, was the first to be built under the state’s new strategy of decentralized detentions. It replaced an antiquated facility on Taylor Ave.
With 48 beds and 70 employees, the new center takes in delinquent teens from the region. Kenosha County is Racine County’s largest partner.
Otto says the center’s strategy relies heavily on a new understanding of youth brain development, and how prior experiences shape behavior. "It's not an excuse for any of the crimes that were committed but it's an explanation to help understand how to correct and to better inform how we serve the youth in the community," she said.
The center has had to overcome a rough start. Shortly after opening, an incident occurred in which a 15-year-old boy was injured in an alleged excessive use of force by staff. One employee resigned and another was disciplined.
Otto says she believes guardrails are in replace to prevent a recurrence. "There are checks and balances and oversight for this," Otto said. "The training that is required is something called "Principles of Subject Control" for any correctional officer because it can be a dangerous environment," she said.
Otto talks more about the center, as well as a new facility dedicated to residents in need of mental health and substance abuse services.
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