FRANKLIN COUNTY — Staffing shortages have led to the closure of the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center by Monday.

Chief Judge Melissa A. Morgan announced the closure Friday, saying the facility will cease operations effective December 31 due to staffing shortages.

In a statement, the Second Judicial Circuit said employees at the facility have been notified of the intended closure and will be compensated for an additional 30 days.

The facility in Benton serves law enforcement and the juvenile justice system within 26 rural southern Illinois counties.

It’s unclear at this time what will be done with the juveniles currently held in the detention center, or where future juveniles from the region will be taken.

According to Mt. Vernon Police Chief Trent Page, his agency will reach out to other detention centers such as Madison County; St. Clair County; or Vincennes, Indiana. He says they will work to have the juveniles placed as close to the area as possible.

For more information, you can contact the Office of the Chief Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit at 911 Casey Avenue in Mt. Vernon.