The St. George Youth Center is closing because it cannot meet state safety standards, Anne Nelsen, Utah Youth Corrections Department assistant director, said Friday.

Nelsen said the building does not adequately maintain the separation of residents or the separation of residents and staff.To deal with the closure, the center is temporarily transporting kids to a similar facility in Cedar City. There are only six short-term beds available at the Cedar City center, she said, but plans are in the works to add four more short-term beds.

The expansion will cost around $40,000 and will be funded by transferring funds from the closed St. George Youth Center, Nelsen said.

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Beginning in July, state Youth Correcton officials hope to start a home detention program in the St. George area to help deal with the closure, she said. A home detention program in Salt Lake County has been very successful and officials hope for a similar success in St. George.

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