More changes are coming to Kentucky’s Department of Juvenile Justice, as announced by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear during Thursday’s Team Kentucky update.
These changes follow adjustments already made in recent weeks to address ongoing security concerns in the Juvenile Justice Regional Detention facilities. The governor says the staffing shortage must be address, and first they will be increasing the starting salary for youth workers in detention centers up to $50,000 annually, while also be reclassifying employees as “correctional officers.”
Defensive equipment will also be made available to DJJ workers for the first time, allowing them to better protect themselves and the youth they serve.
There will also be a newly appointed Director of Security for DJJ in Larry Chandler, who Beshear says brings years of experience and expertise to the position.
Governor Beshear also outlined plans to potentially construct up to two new juvenile justice facilities in Kentucky.