Vermont’s New Youth Detention Plan

Vermont’s pushing forward with a new locked youth facility in South Burlington, billed as a therapeutic haven for teens aged twelve to eighteen — but critics say it’s just another detention center, raising alarms about misplaced priorities and the state’s failure to invest in prevention. Designed to replace the shuttered Woodside facility — which paid out $4.5 million after abuse lawsuits — the Green Mountain Youth Center promises a “highly structured, intensive clinical setting,” but faces skepticism, zoning hurdles, and delays until 2028. Meanwhile, Vermont’s still relying on temporary placements, including adult jails and out-of-state facilities, while advocates push for upstream support to keep kids out of the system altogether. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f89e414eb4b8be9a