LARNED – A ceremony and reception will be held to mark the official closing of Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 3, at the facility, 1301 KS K-264, Larned. 

In addition, staff members and their contribution to the juvenile justice system in Kansas will be recognized.  

Secretary of Corrections Joseph Norwood, Deputy Secretary of Juvenile Services Terri Williams, LJCF Superintendent Wendy Leiker and other guests will be present. 

The public is invited to attend. Media is invited, and photography and video will be permitted. No reservations are required.

It was in July 2016 that the KDOC announced plans to close the Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility. The decision was based on the continuing decrease in youth incarceration levels in Kansas.

Secretary of Corrections Joe Norwood said the closure plan was set to occur over a 12 month period where both staffing and youth population will gradually decline. 

“There are no plans to move any youth currently at the LJCF,” Norwood said at the time. “Over the next 12 months, I will ensure that every LJCF employee is afforded an opportunity to continue their employment with the state of Kansas. While working to provide a smooth transition for our staff and incarcerated youth, public safety is and will remain our highest priority.”

In fiscal year 2010, the monthly average population of incarcerated juveniles was 331. The monthly average at the time of the announcement was 233, a drop of approximately 30 percent. 

For more information about the ceremony, contact Julie Snodgrass at 620-285-0300, extension 109.