New DJJ ‘House’ No Home for Young Inmates

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)  —  The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice opened its new job training center today.  DJJ Director Margaret Barber was joined by Gov. Nikky Haley, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and others for the unveiling.

The multipurpose facility is equipped with a computer lab and other amenities to provide a life and job skills training environment for youth, ages 12-18.  Officials hope the center prevents future crime by helping to put youth in trouble with the law on a path to becoming productive members of society.  It will operate five days a week and can accommodate up to 16 students in the building’s one classroom.  However, video conference links will be available via remote locations across the state in order to instruct larger classes simultaneously.

One young person, currently incarcerated, 20-year-old Maximiliano Rodriguez, displayed an award winning steel sculpture he produced; he even garnered second place in a national competition.  The welding and other skills he learned at DJJ, he claims, helped turn his life around, and now he hopes to own an auto-mechanic business one day.

Officials say young people will be taught ‘soft’ life skills like resume writing, personal grooming, job interview skills, proper dress and culinary arts.  DJJ wants to partner with business leaders in the community to serve as instructors for such classes.  Interested persons should call 803-896-9518.