Lawmakers press officials on out-of-state youth placements and mental-health staffing in juvenile facilities

Rebecca Norton, Budget Director for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, and Randy White, Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice, told the Budget Review Subcommittee on June 3 that high-acuity services for youth remain a priority concern and that staffing and funding arrangements vary by facility. Norton said that "there is no appropriation for [mental health care providers] in the current budget," while Commissioner White said MHCPs are present in each detention facility and that the department also has a contracted psychiatrist through the University of Kentucky.

Deputy Secretary Mona Womack told lawmakers the subcommittee will be provided data on the number of youth sent out of state for treatment and the associated costs; she cautioned that population counts fluctuate with judicial decisions. Sen. Robin L. Webb told the panel that "even just one youth being sent out of state is unacceptable," underscoring lawmaker concern about in-state capacity. The subcommittee requested additional information, including specifics on the Jefferson County Detention Center, and asked presenters to return in November.