Children with pending cases with the Memphis-Shelby County Juvenile Court system will soon have a place to go following school, after the Shelby County Commission approved an add-on item to fund an “evening reporting center” during the Monday, January 29 meeting.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools will receive $320,000 to operate the “Pursuit Center.”
As a part of the wraparound service’s contract, the school system will also transport students from the school to the center and return them home. It takes effect immediately, with two one-year extensions.
The program will be primarily applied to first-time offenders. Sixteen children per cohort selected will be able to attend the center for up to 30 days. There will be six cohorts per year. The other option would likely be detention.
A youth reporting center has been on lips of juvenile court officials for years. Magistrates will make individual decisions on cases and conditions of release to the center.
