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Those affected by correctional center closing speak out

Tuesday, Governor Tim Kaine announced almost $1.5 billion in budget cuts. He announced cuts to higher education, administrative costs and state employee positions.

Part of the plan includes the closing of the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center in Rockbridge County.

At a Bob McDonnell rally event Saturday, many people spoke out about the center's closing. 

"I've gotten to know a lot of the young men, and they're like my boys," says volunteer chaplain Mark Gibson.  "I've seen what good that the facility does."

Because of that good, many say the boys have expressed their concern.

"They're concerned about leaving minimum security and going to maximum security," says Bob Hinkle, who works at the center.  "They're concerned about losing their credits; they're concerned about not being able to take the GED."

Parents are concerned as well.

"It's not just about my son, it's about all of these kids, and it's about the community around these kids," says Sarita Binsted, the mother of one of the residents.

Representative Ben Cline says he got a voicemail from the state, but no one consulted him on the center's closing.

"It's very upsetting the way that this was handled, and we're looking for ways to keep the center open," says Cline.

Even the center's alumni are worried about the closing.

"Because the impact of Natural Bridge, the employees there and the volunteers that come there, and the impact that they had on me," says Ray Carter.

"I don't think the kids will have the same motivation, nor will we have those programs to ease them back into society," says teacher Don Dudley.

The Correctional Center is expected to close October 9, but Representative Ben Cline says he's pushing to keep it open.

Juvenile correctional center closing will affect Rockbridge County