About the project
According to a county news release, the expansion will reorganize existing spaces to create additional visitation, counseling and administrative areas. Other additions include:
- 48 new beds
- A family-focused regional courtroom
- Associated learning and exercise areas
- A dedicated control room
- Larger intake and release areas
The expansion aims to address the community’s needs for the next 25-30 years, per the release. The Williamson County Juvenile Services department has seen an increase in serious offenses as well as complex cases, including those involving youth with mental health needs, according to the county website.
The $90 million project’s first phase will construct a new building over the next 18 months, while the second and final phase will renovate the existing facility by summer 2027.
“I think our facility has been inadequate, not because we neglected the care or the upkeep or the maintenance, but because of the sheer rapid growth that we've encountered,” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said at the groundbreaking. “Now, we have the opportunity to match the facility with the staff that we have [and] the needs of our community.”
Additional attendees at the event included Williamson County commissioners, judges, Texas state representatives, juvenile staff, nonprofits, churches, youth advocates and mentors.
Quotes of note
“This building right here represents our commitment to our kids that when things get messy, we don't ship you off somewhere else,” 425th District Court Judge Betsy Lambeth said. “We work with you and help you grow up to be good, honorable citizens.”
“One thing I love is how forward thinking all of our officials of Williamson County are,” State Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, said. “I think we're just light years ahead of so many counties our size in everything we do, but in particular when it comes to criminal justice. My hope is that there are many redemption stories that will come out of this new facility.”
“We're about building kids up that communities and families have torn down. We're about building up the next generation,” Gravell said. “There are kids that are in there that may seem hopeless to some, but I think our children are valuable. And I don't see hopelessness, but I see hope.”
