Largest juvenile detention facility in NC opens as Raise the Age law goes into effect

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — For weeks, Jail North in Mecklenburg County has undergone a few changes so that it can house more juveniles.

The jail had to make more room once North Carolina’s Raise the Age law went into effect. This law increases the age for someone charged as an adult to 18.

Jail North, which Sheriff Gary McFadden says is now the largest juvenile facility in the state, is just a small part of the change. He said the system offers more help to turn their life around with more protection and rehabilitation.

“They’re going to get the best that we can offer for them and we’re going to provide a better future instead of coming back to visit us at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office,” McFadden said.

Watch the video above as Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura explains why authorities are optimistic that teens who get sent there will be able to turn things around.

Raise the age: Benefits and challenges Raise the age: Benefits and challenges

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