Regional juvenile detention leaders outline services, seek 'Secure Care' license

Mike Walden, director of the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center, told the Crawford County Commission at its June meeting that the center provides medical, educational and mental‑health services to youths held short term and is seeking a state “Secure Care” license to use otherwise idle beds and generate revenue.

Walden said the center, which opened in 1994 under an interlocal agreement serving roughly 10 regional counties, has handled “over 10,000 intakes” and that his most recent count puts the total at about 10,800. He described on‑site medical care that the facility provides through a physician, educational services supplied through Greenbush and the Girard School District, video court access for distant counties and coordinated screening and referrals for mental‑health and substance‑use services.

The proposal for a Secure Care license would let the center house…