BY PAUL HAMMEL
Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — The state’s new Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center for girls in Hastings recently earned a 100% compliance grade from a national corrections group, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The Hastings center, which opened last year to replace the girls’ YRTC in Geneva, was found in compliance with 343 standards mandated by the American Correctional Association.
“The auditors strongly complimented YRTC-Hastings, all the way from cleanliness to programming to the commitment and dedication of staff toward the youth,” said DHHS’ juvenile services administrator, Mark LaBouchardiere.
The Hastings facility currently holds 10 girls.
In addition, 49 youths are housed at the YRTC for boys in Kearney, and nine youths are living at the YRTC established in Lincoln in 2020 for high acuity behavioral needs.
The changes in the YRTC system came after state legislators found hazardous and alarming conditions at the Geneva center. There had also been complaints about assaults on staff and escapes from the Kearney YRTC.