JCPC hears juvenile detention data update and program reports; staff warn of referral and accounting changes

Council members spent substantial time on data and program updates, including a question about juvenile detention bed use and program-level needs across Buncombe County.

Chair noted that the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (formerly JRAC) had requested information about juvenile detention beds and that CJCC’s strategic plan placed juvenile justice goals under the courts workgroup. Staff said CJCC’s plan created four workgroups (behavioral health, courts, domestic violence and law enforcement) and that juvenile issues surfaced in the court workgroup. Members emphasized that the closest functioning detention facility is roughly an hour to an hour‑and‑45 away, complicating family access. "The longer you're in these detentions, the more exposure you have," a council member said while urging committee review of length‑of‑stay and placement data.

Melissa Johnson, standing in for the area consultant Lorraine, gave administrative updates: final accounting materials are available in NC Allies, she encouraged programs to complete accounting in July if possible, and flagged policy revisions that include a new consent form for release of court history and an upcoming universal referral pilot (Iredell first; Buncombe may be added). She also noted staffing shortages among area consultants.

Programs gave summer updates. Alexis, from the Connections and Kids at Work programs, said Kids at Work is full and Connections added a new staff member with cinematography experience; staff are filming promotional materials. Karen Pearson, who runs Alternatives restorative programs, said the school justice partnership had signed MOUs with Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools and reported an increase in families identified as "hard to serve" with needs like rent, shoes and mattresses. "School justice partnership is moving along swimmingly," Pearson said.

Members discussed transportation barriers for families, local referral automation plans, and a pending membership application; the council voted to defer action on the membership application until August. No formal policy changes or funding allocations were made at the meeting.