MEMPHIS, Tenn – A bill introduced in Tennessee's state legislature is pushing for the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to begin construction on a new juvenile detention facility in West Tennessee by 2026. The bill, House Bill 1358/Senate Bill 374, was amended on Tuesday to include a provision requiring DCS to start construction after completing a feasibility study within the next nine months.

The study, which would assess the need for the new facility, must be completed by January 1, 2026, with plans for construction to follow. If passed, this bill would replace the outdated John Wilder Youth Development Center in Fayette County, which has been a source of ongoing security issues, including frequent escape attempts.

"The Wilder facility is not meeting the current needs of the state, and we need to ensure we provide a safe and secure environment for our youth," said Representative Mary Littleton (R-78) and Senator Paul Rose (R-32), who co-sponsored the bill.

The current facility, built in the 1960s, has faced significant security concerns and legal challenges, including a 2024 lawsuit alleging poor living conditions. Prior to this, the state had approved $1.9 million for security upgrades at the Somerville facility, but it remains a problematic site.

A new facility is expected to cost the state around $283 million for fiscal year 2026-27, not including land acquisition costs. The facility will be sized according to the needs of the West Tennessee Grand Division, which currently has a deficit of beds, with only 157 available compared to the need for 289. This region houses about 60% of Tennessee's juvenile detainees.

"The new facility will be built to ensure the safety of both the youth and the staff, and will also have the capacity to meet the growing demands in West Tennessee," said Littleton.

The plan also includes improving conditions and accommodations for the children currently detained, as the existing facilities in Middle and East Tennessee are already operating at capacity.

"With the proposed construction timeline, this new facility will not only address the current overcrowding but also improve the conditions for youth detention across the state," Senator Rose said.

The bill is expected to continue to progress through the legislature, with lawmakers hopeful that this new juvenile detention facility will better serve the state’s needs.

• The John Wilder Youth Development Center in Fayette County has struggled to meet the needs of the increasing number of juveniles detained in Tennessee, with overcrowding and deteriorating conditions being a constant concern.
• State lawmakers are eager to move forward with the construction of a new juvenile detention center, which they believe will provide improved facilities, better security, and more opportunities for rehabilitation programs for young offenders.
• As the bill advances, lawmakers are working to address logistical concerns, including the location of the new facility and how the project will be funded. The proposal also focuses on safety improvements and the need for additional resources for juvenile rehabilitation in West Tennessee.

Originally reported by Lydian Coombs in Action News 5.