The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, along with other parish and city officials, held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. today for the new Office of Juvenile Justice Services, 3615 E. Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles.

To view the ribbon-cutting ceremony, click HERE.

The 50,000-square-foot, $22 million building is a secure detention facility that houses 38 beds, an on-site medical clinic, a multi-purpose space, counseling and meeting rooms, a dayroom, a dining area, a large recreation yard and spaces for vocational-technical training, education and rehabilitation services.

“In Calcasieu Parish we care about our youth and endeavor to do everything possible to give every young person a chance at a happy and productive life. This new, secure detention facility is a testament to that commitment,” said Police Jury President Tony Stelly.

“Historically, OJJS has operated through best practices and innovations in juvenile justice.  We are thrilled to have a state-of-the-art facility with an evidence-based design that aligns with our services that are quality in nature and responsive to the needs of our residents,” said Anthony Celestine, OJJS Director.

The new building replaces the original facility, which was built in 1968.

Trahan Construction served as contractor. Champeaux, Evans and Hotard, along with Grace Hebert Curtis, were project architects.

To watch a tour of the facility, click HERE.