Wayne County allocates juvenile-justice funds to on-site music studio; officials describe supervision and program goals

Wayne County juvenile-services officials briefed commissioners on a planned music studio at the county juvenile detention facility, describing it as a supervised program to offer skill development in writing, production and music-related careers.

Nathaniel McQueen, identified in the meeting as the county’s chief program officer for juvenile youth services, said the studio is intended to expose detained youth to multiple facets of the music industry and to provide a rehabilitative outlet. “We put together this music studio at the juvenile detention facility to be able to expose them to the other arenas within the music industries,” McQueen said. He said staff will be trained, participation will be an earned privilege, and restrictions on language and behavior will apply while youths are in custody.

Commissioners asked about supervision, content controls and whether professional producers might be invited; Commissioner Clemente and others encouraged adding art programs beyond music. McQueen said staff selected for the program will be those with a desire to work in the area and that the program connects to similar efforts used elsewhere nationally.

The discussion accompanied multiple agenda budget adjustments listed as reallocations in the juvenile-justice abuse-and-neglect fund; staff said specifics about membership dues and some line items would be provided before the full-board meeting. Commissioners moved the related budget adjustments forward with the condition that outstanding questions be answered at the full commission meeting.