Deal made to use PA Child Care as needed

Luzerne County juvenile offenders may stay at a Pittston Township detention center as they await sentencing because county commissioners unanimously reached an agreement with the center owner, PA Child Care.

Both sides compromised a bit.

Commissioners agreed during a special meeting Wednesday to pay $48.42 per day more than the state-approved rate.

PA Child Care will allow the county to pay for beds as they’re needed, rather than forcing the county to reserve 12 slots.

Commissioners have no local place to lodge juveniles as they await treatment because the county’s controversial $58-million, 20-year lease of the facility officially ended Monday, after commissioners complained that state reimbursement cuts would cause the county to lose too much funding.

The plan to rent beds as needed is on a month-to-month basis until terminated by either the county or PA Child Care. The company is considering replacing detention beds with treatment beds because there’s a higher demand and reimbursement for treatment.

Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla plans to meet with Lackawanna County Commissioner Chairman Mike Washo to discuss the possibility of building a regional detention center.

If recent figures hold true, the county will typically use 10 detention beds at the Pittston Township facility.

Commissioner Greg Skrepenak recently highlighted that only four juveniles were in detention on a particular day. However, county probation officials presented figures Wednesday indicating the average was 10 juveniles from May 29 through July 2.

Probation officials also presented charts indicating how much it would cost to send youth outside the area, factoring in travel and staff costs.

For example, they estimate the county would save between $1,400 and $1,900 for each youth lodged at Pittston Township instead of Lehigh County. That savings covers an 18-day period, which would require four or five round trips to appear before a judge or for a psychological evaluation.

Minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban said he supports the move because the county has no other local option. He wants to explore the joint venture with Lackawanna County or the possibility of reopening the county’s old detention center on Water Street.

Skrepenak said he wants to try to force the state to increase reimbursement so the county doesn’t have to fund the extra $48.42.

The state Department of Public Welfare reduced reimbursement for the facility, arguing that PA Child Care was receiving too much profit.

County meets in executive session

Luzerne County commissioners met in executive session after Wednesday’s meeting to discuss a “potential liability issue” involving an unidentified vendor, said county Chief Clerk/Manager Doug Pape.

County officials refused to release more details Wednesday, saying county officials are reviewing the matter.