Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday outlined a new system where the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) will operate three high-security detention centers for male juveniles 14 years of age or older who have been charged with offenses indicating a higher potential for violent, disruptive behavior.
“The current juvenile justice system has been in place for over 20 years, and it has not evolved to fit the needs of today’s at-risk youth and adequately respond to increased youth violence and involvement in gangs,” Beshear said. “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.”
Last week, the Governor stated that the existing regional model system is outdated and has hindered the ability of DJJ to ensure the safety of youth and staff. Thursday, he provided details on the three facilities designated as high-security and how they were selected based on the current charges of the youth population, number of detention center beds available and proximity to highways.
Male juveniles 14 or older who have been charged with a violent or serious offense (Capital, Class A, B or C felony) will soon be housed at:
- Adair Regional Detention Center
- Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center
- Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center
Male juveniles younger than 14 or who have been charged with a lower-level offense (Class D felony or lesser offense) will soon be housed at:
- Boyd Regional Juvenile Detention Center
- Breathitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center
- Jefferson Regional Juvenile Detention Center
- McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Center
Male juveniles ages 14 or older charged with a Class D felony involving unusual violence may be assigned to a high-security facility.
Male juveniles younger than 14 or charged with lesser offenses who engage in violent or disruptive behavior while detained may be relocated to a high-security facility.
The target date for the change is January 2023.
“This classification system will allow DJJ to enhance protocols and training so staff can better respond to the current population,” said Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey. “Over time, DJJ staff will be able to better deal with high-security detainees, always understanding that these youths must be treated with care and compassion but also recognizing that alleged violent offenders present different safety considerations.”
As of Dec. 14, DJJ had 171 male juveniles housed in detention centers throughout the commonwealth. Of these males, 82 have been charged with certain violent or serious offenses and 89 have been charged with lower-level offenses.
DJJ is working with the Office of the State Budget Director and the Personnel Cabinet to offer an increased salary to security personnel working at the higher security detention centers.
The Governor said he will be calling upon the General Assembly in the new year to adequately fund a DJJ transportation unit by hiring additional personnel and purchasing more vehicles.
Males ordered to secure detention will be transported to the regional detention center and remain until their initial detention hearing within 48 hours (with certain allowances, including excluding weekends and holidays). Youth will be separated within the facility by charges. After the youth’s initial detention and hearing, law enforcement will return the youth to the detention center and DJJ will then transport them to the correct facility based on charges and available beds.
DJJ is seeking qualified and passionate Kentuckians to fill more than 105 full-time positions throughout the state’s eight juvenile detention centers.
