ELIZABETHTOWN - Bladen Youth Center will convert to an adult male prison facility effective Nov. 1 due to a decrease in the youth population and a need for beds for adult offenders. The facility will remain minimum custody.

Bladen originally housed adult males before its conversion to youth in 1995. It was one of the 61 field unit prisons renovated or built during the 1930s to house inmates who worked building roads. Its standard operating capacity is 144 beds.

Prison officials say there will be no correctional staff changes. However, correctional officers have received training for supervision of adult offenders. Approximately 40 young men ages 18 to 21 who have been housed at Bladen will be transferred to Sandhills Youth Center in Hoke County.

# # #