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Westphal Named To Head Macomb's Juvenile Justice Center

MACOMB COUNTY (WWJ) - For the first time a woman will head Macomb County's Juvenile Justice Center. Rhonda Westphal of Lansing has been selected to take over the job.

Westphal, who has served as Director at three other juvenile detention facilities, says kids need to leave the facility equipped with the skills for overcoming the urge to satisfy a desire for instant gratification.

"I think what is important for them is to understand it's not going to be easy, but also take with them into the community skills that help them get through those difficult times," said Westphal. "And I think a lot of this is impulse control - there's a lot of substance abuse issues- families also need to understand this."

Westphal was selected from a field of nearly 140 candidates, she'll take over her new post August 5th.

She replaces current Director Charles Seidelman who plans to retire.

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