A group of lawmakers is calling for a change in leadership within Kentucky’s juvenile justice system.
This comes after recent riots and, most recently, a federal lawsuit alleging widespread problems at Kentucky’s juvenile detention centers.
Staff members were injured and a teenage girl was gang-raped at a facility last year in Adair County. There have also been other problems at juvenile detention center facilities in Louisville and Western Kentucky.
Kentucky House and Senate members say there is a crisis within the Department for Juvenile Justice and say there needs to be a leadership change within the department.
The task force members say positive steps have been taken by the Governor, including separating boys and girls, but they say a toxic culture still exists and the Governor needs to make changes in leadership.
A newly filed federal lawsuit includes allegations from two former employees in Adair County who detail dangerous treatment of youth, almost sadistic and inhumane conditions.
There were other cases of neglect and abuse. Senators say staff members are having to manage difficult situations.
Lawmakers say an increase in gang behavior is leading to more kids committing violent offenses.
Governor Andy Beshear says he has made changes and recommendations.
Lawmakers say the problem is not with the newly appointed Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey, that it goes further down than that. Lawmakers say they want access to employees so that they are not scared to report problems.
State Budget Director John Hicks says the General Assembly will also be asked to appropriate millions of dollars of funds, including a sustainable $50,000 starting salary for juvenile justice frontline workers.
Source: WBKO
You must be logged in to post a comment.