In the early 1900s, with concern for the juvenile delinquent slowly growing, new institutions opened in order to combat and overcome the problem. With the cooperation of both Governor Richard Yates and a philanthropic educator, Nelson McClain, construction began on the Illinois State Home for Delinquent Boys. Here officials planned not only to care for delinquents but also neglected or orphaned boys. Delinquents were considered anyone under the age of sixteen who broke the law and could receive care at a suitable institution.

Once finished, the institution sat on 900 acres of farm land west of St. Charles. The purpose of the school was to provide the young boys with a good education in both intellectual and vocational studies so that once released they could make a respectable living. Not only did the institution offer education to the boys, it also offered religious guidance and military training.

Like many reformatory institutions, the school's layout was based on the cottage system. This system of housing worked around a group of cottages which housed approximately 50 boys. Each cottage had a house mother and father who served as guardians. The cottages created a home-like environment for the boys. Living rooms and kitchens were found in each cottage, making their stay at the institution more comfortable.

Since its establishment in 1904, the Youth Center has gone through many changes. In 1970, officials phased out farm operation in order to place a greater emphasis on the academic, vocational, and counseling programs. By 1989, the institution had also added programs that dealt with behavior problem intervention and added a new medical and confinement wing.