Years after being shut down, Jetson Center for Youth in Baker set to reopen

BAKER, La. (WAFB) - Years after the Jetson Center for Youth in Baker shut down, there are plans for it to reopen.

According to the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, about 36 juveniles will eventually be transferred to a unit at the facility. The youth prison last housed young people in 2014.

The plans call for the facility’s gradual reopening to happen in the new year. However, a more specific timeline has not been announced.

When the Jetson Center for Youth again houses youth, officials said they are committed to ensuring everyone’s safety, including staff members.

A spokesperson for the Office of Juvenile Justice said there is also a long-term plan in the works to build a new facility with 72 beds. The spokesperson said authorities will then be able to increase the number of young people they have in their secured custody in Louisiana.

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice, the new facility will also serve as a center for intake and diagnosis.

The Louisiana Illuminator reports the Jetson Center for Youth was used as a temporary prison for women after the women’s prison in St. Gabriel flooded in 2016. However, the publication said the prisoners have since been moved to a new women’s prison at another site in St. Gabriel.

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