Today is a Thursday and the residents at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center are about to eat ribs, macaroni and cheese, banana pudding and Kool-Aid for lunch. This meal was created by staff and youth. With guidance from Albert Watson, interim juvenile court superintendent, the teens helped prepare and serve the meal for visiting judges, social workers, law enforcement staff and guests.
“The kids help cook and serve the meal every Thursday,” said Watson, who has worked in the juvenile court system for 17 years. “It’s a great opportunity to teach meal prep while connecting with the kids and building rapport.”
Since September 2024, Watson has led the Juvenile Detention Center—overseeing staff, residents and daily operations at its location on the second floor of Madison’s City-County Building. The center houses up to 30 youth, most of whom are awaiting court decisions. Its mission goes beyond supervision: it offers a physically and emotionally safe and secure environment where kids can grow, learn new skills and prepare to contribute to their communities when they leave.
Watson believes his role is about more than maintaining safety.
“They need safety and security, but they also need opportunities to be kids,” he said. “We celebrate holidays and have fun.”
Cooking plays a central role in that connection. With Watson in the kitchen, the kids have made everything from chicken and waffles to Juicy Lucy cheese-stuffed burgers and biscuits with gravy.
“I really do love what I do,” he said. “Food is a tool I use to connect with the young people here.”
But Watson’s work doesn’t stop at the kitchen—or the detention center. This summer, he’s launching a new pilot program: Assessment, Treatment, Transition and Aftercare (ATTA). Designed for “youth on the verge of correction,” the six-month initiative will support two youth initially, with plans to expand.
According to Watson, similar programs are already in place in other Wisconsin counties, and he’s eager to bring this kind of support to Dane County.
“This isn’t for kids court-ordered to Corrections,” Watson explained. “It’s for those who need support before they end up here.”
The ATTA program offers a holistic approach, combining counseling, job readiness and life skills training like managing a bank account. Participants will continue attending school during the day through the Madison Metropolitan School District and join the program in the afternoons and evenings. Housing will be provided.
The daily schedule will feature outdoor activities like hiking, biking and swimming, along with cultural outings—museums and plays—and community service projects, such as volunteering at the food pantry.
“I’m excited about exposing the kids to new experiences,” Watson said.
He’s building the program in collaboration with Health & Human Services and other community partners, aiming to create a culture rooted in support, education, acceptance and opportunity.
“The end goal is to get these students back into the community with access to resources and support, giving them a fresh start through structure, employment and therapy, helping them make good choices and avoid Corrections,” said Watson.
At the same time, he hopes the kids create positive memories.
He often hears from former Detention Center residents who return years later to thank him.
“You know you’ve made an impact in the kids’ lives when they come back and visit,” said Watson. “They tell me where they’re working and introduce me to their spouse or kids. I appreciate them so much.”
Through shared meals, creative programs and a steady commitment to care, Watson is helping turn moments of connection into turning points—and rewriting what justice and support can look like for youth in Dane County.
