Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that there would be additional changes to the juvenile justice system after reports showed major issues.
In reports over the past few months by the Lexington Herald-Leader, facilities across Kentucky complained to the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice that juvenile facilities were understaffed and do not comply with staffing requirements of the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act.
These reports came after reporting showed a series of riots and the sexual assault of a teen girl in an incident at the Adair County facility.
“I think the root cause of all this comes down to not having adequate staff and not paying them well enough,” said state Senator Whitney Westerfield (R-Crofton).
In response, Gov. Beshear ordered the Juvenile Justice Department to open a female-only detention center in Campbell County. Starting in December, all females between the ages of 11-18 would be housed in the Newport facility.
“By separating female and male juveniles, we are enhancing the safety of our staff and youth in state custody. I remain committed to doing everything possible to provide health care, education, and safety to all Kentuckians – including our youth who deserve a second chance,” Beshear said in early December regarding what he referred to as an outdated system.
The detention center in Newport made 35 beds available and would work to hire 15 employees.
On Dec. 15, Beshear announced additional changes that will see the Juvenile Justice Department operate three high-security detention centers for male juveniles 14 years old or older that have been charged with offenses that indicate the potential for disruptive or violent behavior.
“A new detention classification system will allow DJJ and the commonwealth to better enhance public safety while ensuring that Kentucky’s youth have the tools and opportunities for a successful second chance,” Beshear said.
Earlier that day, the Interim Judiciary Committee heard testimony from the state’s juvenile justice leadership on the issue.
“I’m pretty disturbed by what I see — a lack of leadership and a failure of leadership,” said Westerfield, the Judiciary committee co-chair.
Westerfield thinks there needs to be more money from the state given to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Still, Senate leadership has indicated they are unlikely to reopen the budget during the upcoming 30-day, non-budget year legislative session.
While Westerfield said the root cause is the lack of employees and pay for the facilities, he also said the action’s taken by the governor’s office are good, but they’re too late.
He also isn’t sure that separating the facilities would work because it would move juvenile offenders sometimes hours away from their family, attorney, and the court where they are tried for their crimes.
“I’m not sure that’s the best solution,” Westerfield said. “At least it’s an idea — I like the idea of separating by gender. I think that’s appropriate.”
