Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center

A new methamphetamine treatment program for juveniles will be created and tested in Illinois under legislation sponsored by Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) and Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton) and signed into law this summer.

The Methamphetamine Abusers Pilot Program will be started at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. The program will provide treatment for meth-addicted juveniles who are 10 through 16 years old. The 180-day program will provide drug treatment but will also address mental health and medical needs. The program will include an educational component coordinated with hometown schools, skill building, and recreation.

Teen addicts in the meth pilot program will start in a locked, secure wing of the Franklin County facility. As the treatment progresses, the juveniles will be “stepped down” to a non-secure wing. Finally, a structured re-entry phase of the program will support the juveniles as they return to their home communities. The evidence-based drug treatment program is being designed with the assistance of Dr.Alex Stalcup and is expected to be a “cutting edge” pilot program.