Juvenile Justice

McLaughlin Youth Center
2600 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: 907 261-4399
Facility Superintendent Fax: 907 261-4321

McLaughlin Youth Center turns 40!

Among the programs offered at MYC are secure detention, alternatives to detention, long-term treatment programs, and aftercare services such as the Intensive Community Supervision Program. The Center offers specialized programs for sex offenders, girls, older teens, those who have participated in gangs, and youth posing significant risk to themselves and others. The administration at McLaughlin Youth Center also provides oversight and support services for the new Mat-Su Youth Facility in Palmer.

One of the most exciting developments at McLaughlin has been the creation of the Community Detention Program, an alternative to more expensive secure detention that provides intensive supervision of youth at home, school, and work. This program featured a "Day Program" at Mountain View Recreation Center in Anchorage, where youth receive drug and alcohol education, computer classes, homework assistance, and can fulfill community work service requirements. A community detention school, offered in cooperation with McLaughlin High School, is available for students who have dropped out or are expelled. This program is jointly managed between McLaughlin Youth Center staff and the Anchorage Probation Office.

Average daily populations and the number of admissions decreased at McLaughlin for the second year in a row. Nevertheless, workloads have remained heavy as staff continue to broaden the application of Restorative Justice principles and increase victim-related services. Victim impact classes have been initiated on youth in both detention and treatment; forms and reports have been modified to allow tracking of information on restorative plans; staff have participated in successful victim-offender mediations; and a process has been developed by which victim contacts can be recorded and traced, beginning at the intake level and proceeding through institutional programs. All of these activities are working to ensure that youth understand the consequences of their actions, and that victims feel supported and secure again.