The Urban Renewal Department of the National Housing and Urban Renewal Company convened an important consultation session today with key stakeholders to finalize the design requirements for the forthcoming Juvenile Rehabilitation Center.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to provide a dedicated facility for the rehabilitation of young offenders.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Rawdon Turner, brought together representatives from various sectors critical to the project’s success.

Among those in attendance were officials from His Majesty’s Prison (HMP), the Police High Command, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Transformation, and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.

Senator Turner emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, “This consultation is a critical first step towards completing a much-needed facility that will play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of our youth.

By engaging with key stakeholders, we ensure that the center is not only fit for purpose but also equipped to meet the diverse needs of the young people it will serve.”

The stakeholders offered valuable insights and contributions to the discussion, focusing on essential requirements such as security, educational programming, and social support services.

Their input will guide the final design, ensuring that the facility provides a safe, rehabilitative environment conducive to the development and reformation of its occupants.

The Ministry of Education highlighted the necessity of integrating educational programs tailored to the individual needs of the juveniles, while the Ministry of Social Transformation underscored the importance of providing comprehensive psychological and social services.

The Police High Command and the Defence Force representatives contributed perspectives on security measures, ensuring that the facility will maintain a balance between safety and a rehabilitative atmosphere.

This consultation is just one of many steps in the journey toward establishing a center that will not only house but also rehabilitate and educate the youth, setting them on a path towards positive societal contribution.