Further changes are coming to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Kentucky, as Governor Andy Beshear made announcements during the Team Kentucky update Thursday.
After announcing earlier this month that his administration intends to open the first female only facility in the state, the governor outlined a new system where there will be three high-security detention centers for male juveniles 14 years of age and older who have been charged with offenses indicating a higher potential for violent, disruptive behavior. He says the separation will allow them to provide the correct levels of security and programs in each facility.
Male juveniles 14 or older who have been charged with a violent or serious offense will start to be housed at the Adair Regional Detention Center, Fayette Regional Detention Center and the Warren Regional Detention Center. Male juveniles younger than 14 or who have been charged with a lower-level offenses will be housed at Boyd, Breathitt, Jefferson and McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Centers.
Governor Beshear says they will also be looking to increase pay for staff, as well as provide them with the necessary tools to do their jobs correctly and safely.
He says these are necessary steps that must be taken to keep both staff and juveniles safe and healthy.
The hope is for most changes to begin taking effect in January. 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.