YOI Takes Over Operations at Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center

On Monday, July 1, the Indiana based company, Youth Opportunity Investments, assumed operations at the Mansfield Juvenile Treatment Center, as well as three other locations in the state.

Earlier this year YOI was awarded the $15.8 million dollar contract for services. Originally, the state had awarded the contract to a competitive bidder, Rite of Passage. However, ROP was ultimately disqualified and the contract was granted to YOI.

Since that time, ROP has filed a complaint with the Pulaski County Circuit Court. In that filing, ROP claims the state procurement director wrongly disqualified them, basing their decision on prejudicial information.

Currently, ROP operates the facility in Alexander, AR. It serves as the main processing location for youth that have been taken into state custody.

The shake up comes as a result of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s plan to overhaul the juvenile justice system. Part of that plan included converting Mansfield to an all male facility, and closing two locations, Dermott and Colt.