In a recent government meeting, significant progress was reported on the Youth Development Center (YDC) rebuild, a project aimed at creating a state-of-the-art facility focused on therapeutic care rather than a correctional approach. Dr. Marissa Henn from the Milbank Foundation provided an update on the initiative, which has been in development for nearly a year.

The new YDC will be located on the same campus as Hampstead Hospital in New Hampshire, designed to foster a healing environment for youth. The construction documents are set to be finalized by early August, allowing potential contractors to prepare their bids, which are due in September or October. The goal is to present the contract for approval at the November governor and council meeting, ensuring that funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is secured before the end of the calendar year. Construction is expected to commence shortly thereafter, with completion anticipated by summer 2026.

The meeting also highlighted the collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including community impact commissions and advisory committees, to address concerns related to land use, safety, and programming. The focus remains on effective staffing and rehabilitation strategies to support the youth transitioning into the new facility.

Dr. Henn emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the construction documents will be accessible to the public, allowing community members to stay informed about the project. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions, underscoring the commitment to community engagement throughout the YDC rebuild process.