KENTUCKY — The word "crisis" is how some would describe the eight Regional Juvenile Detention Centers, operated by Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice. There have been multiple reports over the last year about security breaches, riots, fires set, injuries to staff and detainees, unsanitary conditions, an alleged sexual assault and at least one escape.
And there are many lawmakers and policy experts who are weighing in on how to reform Kentucky’s Juvenile Justice System.
State Representative Kevin Bratcher (R-Jefferson County) joins this In Focus Kentucky segment to weigh-in about his work serving on the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Rep. Bratcher also shares details on several bills filed in the legislature in 2023 to address loopholes related to juvenile justice reform, including House Bill 3, which was signed into law in March 2023.
House Bill 3 covers a wide range of items including:
- Requiring children taken into custody for a violent felony offense be detained a maximum of 48 hours before receiving a detention hearing and an evaluation on mental health and substance use disorders beginning July 1, 2024
- Allows members of the clergy, family and other verified support persons to visit a juvenile during the 48-hour holding period
- Enhances access to mental health care and restorative justice programs
- Provides $13.2 million toward the renovation of the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center and $2 million toward operating costs, and
- Provides $4.5 million toward the renovation of the Jefferson Regional Juvenile Detention Center at Lyndon.
You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.