Lauderdale County Youth Justice Center

Lauderdale County Youth Justice Center

The Lauderdale County Juvenile Center opened in July 1975. Funds for the construction of this facility came from LEAA, Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, City of Meridian, Meridian City Council, and the Youth Liaison Foundation. The Youth Liaison Foundation was founded by Judge H. C. Mike Watkins for acquainting the public with the great need for this facility and to provide a means for raising funds for the construction, equipment and furnishings for the Center.

The Center is staffed with professionals trained in dealing with the many faceted problems that confront the youth of today. Services provided include awareness counseling, court ordered supervision, assessments for counseling, treatment and/or placement, which may include referrals to other agencies for evaluation and/or treatment of minors who have mental disorders, drug abuse or alcohol problems. The Center is funded by the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors. In 2021, the Board of Supervisors changed the name of the facility to the Lauderdale County Youth Justice Center to better reflect its purpose and mission.