With one of three centers in Wisconsin, La Crosse County watching state’s juvenile justice plan

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is hoping the state Senate will pass a juvenile justice makeover, which has already gone through the Assembly.

But, it’s not just Walker who is watching what the Senate does. Counties want to know whether they’ll be required to build new juvenile detention facilities.

If Wisconsin closes its Lincoln Hills juvenile prison, counties might have to step in to handle young offenders.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is optimistic that the state Senate will go along with the proposed change in the juvenile justice system.

“His original proposal was to create a number of smaller, state-run facilities,” La Crosse County administrator Steve O’Malley said. “The Assembly didn’t agree with that. They wanted to have counties, as a general rule, provide that.”

O’Malley also pointed out that La Crosse County already has one of three regional juvenile centers operating in Wisconsin.

“La Crosse County will evaluate whether or not we need to change our operation,” O’Malley said. “We already operate a regional facilities — we’re one of three in the state. We’re not positive there’s enough demand for us to expand or remodel.”

The Assembly has already given the OK to the Walker plan, but the Senate has doubts about it.