LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services announced plans this week to build a number of centers across the state for youth entering state care. Two of which will be located in East Tennessee, one “Welcome Place” in Lenoir City, and another “Wellness Place” in Knoxville.
After plans were announced to break ground on these facilities this year, Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens took to social media. In a since deleted post, he said he was against the construction of a juvenile detention center.
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“If that’s the case, then I’ve got an issue with it. If it’s not, then I’m okay with it,” said Aikens.
DCS told 6 News the “Welcome Place” is not a juvenile detention center, rather a short-term, home-like intake and diagnostic setting for kids who are in DCS care because of abuse, neglect, or other safety concerns…