Latrobe's Adelphoi to take over operations of Shuman Center when it reopens in January

Allegheny County’s court system announced Friday that the Latrobe nonprofit Adelphoi will take over providing juvenile detention services at the now-closed Shuman Center as soon as January.

The Shuman Juvenile Detention Center was closed in September 2021 after the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services revoked its license over a history of violations and investigations.

Since that time, county courts and law enforcement agencies have been frustrated by their inability to have local, secure and reliable locations to send youths who are arrested and need to be detained.

In some instances, juveniles are held at Allegheny County Jail. As of Friday, that number was 20, according to the county’s jail population dashboard.

President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark said the reopening of the center in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood will enhance safety across Allegheny County.

“Adelphoi has a proven track record as a leading and highly respected agency that provides all levels of trauma-informed and evidence-based services for delinquent and dependent children,” she said. “This is a crucial step toward creating a safer and more supportive environment for juveniles in the county.”

The Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission named Adelphoi as the residential program of the year in 2022 for its male secure program.

“Adelphoi believes in a holistic approach to youth development, one that goes beyond temporary fixes and addresses the root causes of challenges faced by young individuals,” CEO Nancy Kukovich said. “We recognize that each young person is unique, with specific needs and potential, and intend to implement programming that has the capacity to catalyze lasting positive change.”

Related

• Latrobe planning commission approves Adelphoi expansion
• Editorial: Shuman closing failed kids in 2021 and continues to do so
• Allegheny County councilwoman disputes claim that Shuman closure led to spike in gun, youth violence

Shuman is expected to undergo renovations beginning in October, with one residential pod expected to open in January.

The center initially will serve 12 children with plans to expand to 60 beds.

Adelphoi provides programming in more than 30 counties and serves 1,200 youth and families each day, according to its website.

The agency’s services include operating residential group homes, in-home treatment and foster and adoptive care. The organization was founded in 1971.

Bids for renovations at Shuman Center were due Sept. 6. The county is going through its final review process now and expects work on the $4.7 million project to begin soon.

Construction designs include providing a secure housing unit, support area, gymnasium and residential space. There also will be areas for intake, processing, medical, dental and food preparation.

In the housing unit, there will be showers, and each room will have a toilet and sink. There also will be space for dining, recreation, visitation and a classroom in the unit.