Government

Closing juvenile facilities sparks debate

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By SAODAT ASANOVA –TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING – Some lawmakers want to close all state juvenile justice facilities, but specialists who deal with young offenders strongly oppose such a move. Lawmakers justify the change as a way to save dollars through privatizing the system. The closings were not part of Gov. Rick Snyder’s recommended budget but were added during the House Appropriations Committee review. The full House approved the provision and the budget is awaiting Senate action. Rep. Dave Agema, R-Grandville, said private facilities can provide the same service at lower costs than state facilities.