Board reviews redesigned education report and discusses youth feedback channels

The board reviewed a new format for the juvenile facility’s education report and discussed how the center gathers feedback from youth and families.

Miss Duke presented the redesigned monthly education report, which groups programming by month and includes brief descriptions of each activity. Members said the new format was easier to read; one board member praised the zoo visit and the ability to see services month‑by‑month.

A board member asked whether the facility conducts surveys of parents or detained youth. Miss Duke said there is no routine customer‑style survey, but the state’s regulatory agency, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, visits quarterly and conducts private interviews with youth. She also said the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY) conducts a voluntary annual survey that the facility may forward; PREA and some annual reports are posted on the county website.

“We do let those kids call that number all the time,” Miss Duke said, describing how youth can use posted phone numbers to raise concerns; she added monitors follow up and that DCS interviews are part of the oversight process. The board accepted the education report without objection and confirmed the board wants the annual activity information readily accessible going forward.