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| "Arkansas' Voice on the Internet" | Previous Features / Investigations |
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 Proposals solicited to privatize Alexander lockup for youths RACHEL O'NEAL ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE The Department of Human Services began seeking proposals Thursday to privatize its Youth Services Center in Alexander. The department's spokesman, Joe Quinn, said companies interested in taking over the center have until April 19 to submit proposals. If a proposal is acceptable, the company selected will take over the center July 1, he said. Last June, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published a series of articles on the condition of facilities for juvenile delinquents, including allegations of abuse and mismanagement at the Alexander center. Since then, the Youth Services Division has been working on fixing the problems. The division is a part of the state Department of Human Services. This year, department officials have discussed the possibility of privatizing the division. Last week, Reps. Sue Madison, D-Fayetteville, and Henry "Hank" Wilkins, D-Pine Bluff, said they oppose privatization of the Alexander center. They contend it is the state's responsibility to rehabilitate the youths. Gov. Mike Huckabee's spokesman, Rex Nelson, said the decision on privatization will be left up to the department. Nelson said the governor supports privatization "if it can be done more efficiently and save taxpayer money. We encourage all agencies of state government to look into privatization." Department Director Kurt Knickrehm has said that private companies that run youth offender programs in other states have expertise in dealing with youths. Last year, the division privatized its educational system. Rivendell Management Co. has a $827,475 contract to provide regular, special and vocational education to youths housed at the Alexander center. The contract became effective Dec. 1, 1998. This article was published on Tuesday, March 16, 1999 Copyright, permissions and privacy policy Copyright © 2008, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. |
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