Lincoln, IL (WICS) — As projections and construction continue to progress, the Monarch Youth Center will soon be operational in Lincoln.

This facility follows a plan implemented by Governor JB Pritzker in 2020 that aims to reduce the harms of youth incarceration.

Robert Vickery, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, says, “Across all of our sites, we really emphasize building collaborative relationships with nonprofit organizations, with groups faith-based, with higher education, like community colleges, with people who have an interest in serving our children.

Vickery also says the site will provide the area with around 100 new jobs, including teachers, maintenance staff and youth specialists.

The site is expected to open in 2025.