Rep. Brennan Announces Nearly $30M for New Youth Rehabilitation Facility in Cuyahoga County

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today announced that the Ohio Controlling Board has approved the release of $29,651,856 in capital funding to support the construction of a new Community Correctional Facility (CCF) in Cuyahoga County.

The funding, provided through the Ohio Department of Youth Services in Fund 7028, ALI C47003 (Community Rehabilitation Centers), will allow Cuyahoga County to move forward with building a modern, community-based facility focused on rehabilitating justice-involved youth.

“This is an important step forward for both public safety and for giving young people a real second chance,” said Rep. Brennan. “For too long, many youth in Cuyahoga County have been sent far from home to receive services. This facility will allow them to stay closer to their families, their support systems, and their communities.”

The new facility will serve youth adjudicated of felony-level offenses in a secure, treatment - focused setting. Community Correctional Facilities are designed to provide structured rehabilitation through evidence - based programming, mental health services, education, and workforce development - offering a more effective alternative to traditional incarceration.

As a former educator, Rep. Brennan emphasized the importance of early intervention and support.

“As a teacher, I worked with young people who were facing real challenges - poverty, trauma, instability - and I saw firsthand how much of a difference the right support system can make,”  continued Rep. Brennan. “These are not ‘lost causes.’ They are kids who need guidance, structure, and opportunity. This investment recognizes that and gives them a path forward.”

Currently, Cuyahoga County is the largest county in Ohio without its own Community Correctional Facility, often requiring youth to be placed in programs far from home - making family engagement and successful reentry more difficult. This new facility will help close that gap and expand access to critical rehabilitation services.

“This is about accountability, but it’s also about opportunity,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “When we invest in rehabilitation, we reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and build safer communities for everyone.”

Construction is expected to move forward in Fiscal Year 2026 following this approval.