Milwaukee County opens new youth detention center

The $37 million facility aims to keep juveniles closer to families and provide restorative treatment programs

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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After a decade-long effort, Milwaukee County has unveiled a new 32-bed youth detention center designed to keep juveniles closer to their families and provide restorative treatment programs. The facility, located within the Vel R. Phillips and Family Justice Center, includes classrooms, entertainment rooms, a full clinic, and a "Restorative Pathways Program" that utilizes dialectical behavior therapy to help youth manage emotions, make healthier decisions, and develop positive relationships. As part of the program, youth can also be partnered with vocational trades like cooking, with the goal of ensuring they are employed after release.

Why it matters

For years, youth in Milwaukee's juvenile justice system have been sent to detention centers over 3 hours away in central Wisconsin, making it difficult for families to stay involved. This new facility aims to address that issue and provide a more rehabilitative approach focused on mental health support and vocational training.

The details

The new 32-bed youth detention center is located within the Vel R. Phillips and Family Justice Center in Wauwatosa. It includes several classrooms, entertainment rooms, and a full clinic. The facility will utilize a "Restorative Pathways Program" that uses dialectical behavior therapy to help youth build skills in emotion management, healthy decision-making, and positive relationships. As part of the program, youth can also be paired with vocational trades like cooking to prepare them for employment after release.

  • The Milwaukee County youth detention center has been in the works since 2018.
  • The new facility hopes to start housing youth by the end of March 2026.

The players

Charlene More

An Ozaukee alderwoman who has been vocal about the need for a detention center closer to Milwaukee.

Sharlen Moore

A Milwaukee alderwoman who has also advocated for a juvenile detention facility closer to the city.

David Crowley

The Milwaukee County Executive, who emphasized the significance of the new facility and the opportunities it will provide for youth.

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What they’re saying

“I just want to make sure that we are very clear. We're not celebrating this building. We're celebrating the opportunity that young people will now have.”

— David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (wisn.com)

What’s next

Officials at the center hope to start housing youth by the end of March 2026.

The takeaway

This new youth detention center represents a significant shift in Milwaukee's juvenile justice system, moving away from remote facilities and toward a more rehabilitative approach focused on mental health support, vocational training, and keeping youth closer to their families and communities.