An Historical Perspective

In 1850, the City of Cincinnati organized a public school for delinquent boys and girls to be sent to for vocational and academic training. The House of Refuge was located on the site of the River City Corrections Facility. At the time, the objective was “to follow the youth who has broken away from the usual restraints of society and law, leaving him to an unrestrained course of crime and consigning him to the company of those who are degraded beyond hope or reform to constrain him to forsake his depraved habits.” Even during this early period, the leaders emphasized the fact that the child must be so trained that they could go back into the community as a useful member.

Agricultural Training

By 1910, the City of Cincinnati had expanded in size and the Council decided to move The House of Refuge to a larger site so agricultural training could be provided. In 1914, the boys were moved to a 400-acre farm near Glendale, Ohio while the girls were moved to a smaller farm in Wyoming, Ohio. Both locations had several large buildings which provided a family style atmosphere where “house parents” supervised the daily activities. Emphasis was placed on all youth developing a work ethic by learning the responsibilities of farming. Animals and produce were raised and sold at market with the proceeds going to offset the cost of care.

In 1936, both facilities were closed due to financial difficulties. Within the next 2 years, it became apparent that such institutions were necessary and steps were taken to re-organize the responsibilities and re-open the facilities. A joint arrangement between the Hamilton County Welfare Board and the Cincinnati Public Schools was agreed upon. This partnership lasted until 1970 when the Hamilton County Welfare Department took over.

A New Facility

In 1977, physical conditions at both facilities were deteriorating but the need was still present for children in need of residential services. Recommendations were made by both the Hamilton County Welfare Department and the Juvenile Court to build a new facility.

Plans for the new facilities started at the same time the City of Cincinnati began looking to expand its recreation programming. It was decided upon to make the Glenview site a public golf course and to maintain the Hillcrest site for the new residential facility. The “New” Hillcrest was planned in conjunction with the Welfare Department and Juvenile Court. Funds were available from the Federal Reserve Sharing funds, the State of Ohio, and the Ohio Youth Commission. Legislatively, the funds were only available through the offices of a County Juvenile Court System. In order to ensure the funds, the County agreed to transfer the authority of these facilities to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court in 1976.

A New Hillcrest

The new facility was constructed as a co-educational Community Residential Treatment Center and opened in 1978. Small housing units were placed on the campus setting as well as a school, gymnasium, pool, dining-recreation building, administration-medical building, and maintenance buildings.

In the early 1980’s, youthful offenders began committing more serious offenses. The facility focused its programming toward chronic multi-misdemeanor classified youth. In 1990, it became clear that the increase in  felony offenders warranted a shift in treatment programming.  As 1999 approached, approximately 90% of youth in placement had committed Felony level offenses. During this time, Hillcrest initiated specialty programs to accommodate the criminogenic population it served.

In 1991, the Hillcrest Administration decided to pursue accreditation with the American Correctional Association. ACA determined that Hillcrest would be required to meet the highest juvenile facility standards as a “training school.” In 1992, Hillcrest completed its first ACA audit and was awarded dual accreditation fulfilling “Training School” and “Probation, Parole and Aftercare standards.” Hillcrest has maintained its ACA accreditation every three years thereafter.

In 1999, two significant changes occurred. Female offenders were transitioned to a separate community program, changing the population exclusively to young male offenders. Hillcrest also opened an “Independent Chartered Special Needs School.” The educational program and the correctional treatment program were blended to improve the quality of the program services.

In January of 2003, Hillcrest opened a 12-bed assessment unit for boys and the following January a similar 12-bed program was opened for girls. These programs offer a comprehensive psychological assessment that assists the Court in dispositional planning. The length of stay is 12 to 14 days.

A Chance to Make a Better Choice

One thing has not changed over time. The essence of any program requires adults who are committed to change the lives of young people. This has been true since the establishment of the “House of Refuge,” and is still true today.

Hamilton County is fortunate to have its own community correctional/treatment center for youthful offenders. The Juvenile Court’s direct involvement in the operation of Hillcrest Training School helps ensure that this program continues to change in order to meet the needs of the Court and the Community while maintaining its commitment to give youth a significant opportunity for “A Chance to Make a Better Choice.”

Copyright 2009 by Hamilton County Juvenile Court. All Rights Reserved.