New juvenile center director named

TERRE HAUTE, Ind (WTHI) - A former Terre Haute mayor was named the director of the Vigo County Juvenile Justice Center.

Monday morning, the former director Lynn Austin says she was given two options, resign or she would be ask to leave. Austin chose to resign after nearly six years at the facility.

“I hope there is a better relationship between the courts and juvenile center now that I am gone," Lynn Austin said.

In November of 2009, the Vigo County Commissioners turned the Juvenile Justice Center over to the Sheriff's Department for closer monitoring.

With the resignation of Austin, Sheriff Jon Marvel appointed former Terre Haute Mayor and Vigo County Sheriff Jim Jenkins as the new Director.

"Of the things that I have done, public service, working for the county especially in a law enforcement position was what I really enjoyed doing and I am back at that now," Jim Jenkins said.

“I want what is best for the children. If we don’t take care of the children then we aren’t taking care of our future,” Austin said.

“I hope they will continue with the programs I started,” Austin said.

“I wish the children the best and I hope they find what they need to have a successful life,” Austin said.

Jenkins said he doesn’t want to rush in and start changing things. He said he will use the next 30 days or so to get use to the facility.

Jenkins began his public career as a Deputy Chief in Vigo County in 1973. He served on the county council from 1981-1984. Jenkins then ran for Sheriff in 1987 and served two terms. He also served as mayor from 1996-1999. Jenkins owned the Black Angus restaurant in Terre Haute for seven years. After leaving the Black Angus he did some managerial work for the Landing in Vigo County. He retired from the Landing and then took the job working for the county as the Director of the Juvenile Justice Center.