GA_Macon

BASICS: Macon Youth Development Campus, Macon, Georgia. All girls facility, rated for 94 beds, at time of visit the population was 81 girls—60 african American, 14 Caucasians, and 6 other. Most are designated felons. Commitment and detention. Director Debbie Blasingame says the girls are challenging, hold you to your word, moody, motivated, and eager. It is the only facility for girls in the state, so transportation and distance are issues. Average stay is less than 12 months. They were under a DOJ (dept. of Justice) MOA (memorandum of understanding) for 10 years, until 2009. 75% of the population has mental health needs and 2/3 of that population is on psychotropic medication.

PICTURED: Lunch today is chicken salad sandwiches, very overcooked corn and beans. There is no stigma or penalty if a kid doesn't want to eat. If a kid is vegetarian, they are offered a peanut butter and jelly sandwich alternative. They have accommodated several different religious dietary needs, including Wiccan.