Delaware County is working towards opening a new juvenile detention center by the end of 2025. Delaware County's previous juvenile detention center, located in Lima, closed in March 2021 because of the psychological, verbal, sexual, and physical abuse that our youth endured.

The trauma and horrific events that took place within Lima's juvenile detention facility is still unresolved. A Grand Jury report was recently released on December 13, which included all of the horrors that our youth endured, the evil works of staff members, and how our elected officials have failed to protect them. The report also concluded that no one will be held accountable for these gruesome acts of abuse. Our youth are in need of resources and proper programs that will allow them to flourish in this world. Instead, the county is investing in additional ways for them to transition through the juvenile justice system where the abusive cycle will continue to repeat itself.

The United Coalition of Delco Activists will be hosting a town hall to raise awareness about the effect of detention facilities on our youth. Our main priority is to garner support for children and their future.

This is the beginning of a rotating town hall where we will be visiting different municipalities in Delaware County, PA that have the most impacted youth population. Our first town hall will be hosted in Chester joined by our panelists and special guests:

Sergio Hyland, Criminal Justice Organizer for Working Families Party and Assistant Executive Director for Abolitionist Law Center.

Andre "DayOneNotDayTwo" Simms, Lead Youth Organizer with Youth and Art Self-Empowerment Project and  Organizer with the Care, Not Control campaign.

Armstead Harris, Wellness Coordinator with DayOneNotDayTwo.

Jezkae Jackson, Youth Advocate with DayOneNotDayTwo.

Join us on January 12th at 6:30 P.M. as we address this systemic issue in the county together.