Holland Reporter

State Representative Luke Meerman has expressed concerns regarding the closure of the Shawano Center, a state-run facility for male juveniles. During a session of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Child Welfare System, Meerman highlighted issues related to the lack of residential placement opportunities following the center's closure in February.

Meerman stated, “There is a clear and present need for residential providers in the juvenile justice space, whether state-run or privately operated." He emphasized that the decision to close Shawano has impacted the state's youth residential care system.

The representative pointed out that since its closure, no new facility has been established. He criticized the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for displacing a private provider that was treating youth for mental health and substance abuse disorders. According to Meerman, this provider had been celebrated by MDHHS upon its opening in November 2023.

“Not only did the decision to close Shawano force a provider to stop its services," Meerman continued, "it also eliminated the only state-run facility where the justice system could send its juvenile justice youth." He expressed concern about where these juveniles have been placed since February.

Meerman voiced dissatisfaction with how MDHHS handled the situation and criticized the governor’s budget recommendation. He remarked that it fails to address the core issue and instead involves significant costs without clear solutions.