Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice Enhances Safety, Boosts Successful Outcomes

Governor signs emergency regulations updating restrictive housing policies and increasing juvenile access to mental health care

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 25, 2025) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on his administration's aggressive plan to implement system-wide improvements in Kentucky's juvenile justice system, including two emergency regulations signed today focused on enhanced mental health outcomes through proper use of restrictive housing policies. The Beshear administration's updates are the first in 20 years, with strategies focused on enhancing safety at Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities and producing positive outcomes for second chances.

"For years, the juvenile justice system was overlooked, and now we're making sweeping changes to overhaul the system to enhance safety and help more kids reach the second chance they deserve," said Gov. Beshear. "From supporting the hardworking DJJ staff who show up every day to offering more opportunities for youth and addressing needs like mental health, I am proud of the progress we're making."

Emergency Regulations
The two emergency regulations filed today require updates to restrictive housing, formerly known as isolation, to prioritize the safety and mental health of juveniles. The regulations mandate DJJ leadership reviews, approves time limits and requires all DJJ staff who interact with youth to be trained on the new regulation. The changes will help provide clearer guidelines to ensure the measure is being used safely and effectively.

Today's regulations are the latest step in a wide range of sweeping changes the Beshear administration has implemented since taking office. Changes made have been focused on enhancing safety, recruiting and retaining more skilled staff and updating facilities to meet the needs of today's challenges.

Safety Updates
In 2022, to better protect youth and staff, Gov. Beshear announced a new system where DJJ operates three high-security detention centers to separate male violent offenders. In addition, the administration opened a female only detention center, separating males and females for the first time in Kentucky history.

Following this step, Gov. Beshear and DJJ also implemented the following changes:

• Upgraded protective equipment, training and protocols.
• Worked with the Kentucky State Police and Department of Corrections to enhance security.
• Created a Compliance Division to ensure best practices are identified and followed.
• Contracted with Eastern Kentucky University to conduct a training needs assessment for all positions, with steps to implement changes recommended and revamp training.
• Signed legislation and began work to redesign and reopen the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center as a high-security facility in downtown Louisville.

Support and Services
The Governor and his administration have also made it a priority to better support youth housed in DJJ facilities by implementing new services and programs ranging from enhanced mental health support to new education opportunities. This includes, for the first time, the employment of a mental health treatment director at every DJJ facility.

Other key services and support include:

• The amendment of contracts allowing two psychiatric nurse practitioners to treat youth on a regular basis at every facility.
• The implementation of the new crisis intervention system Handle with Care, which focused on de-escalation and mental health support.
• More vocational programs to help with future employment, including virtual classes and GED offerings.

As part of the education offerings, the Governor was proud to announce the 2024-2025 academic year saw 72 juveniles earn their high school diploma; four earn their GED; 250 receive vocational certifications; and seven complete college courses.

Recruitment and Retention of Skilled Staff
Upon entering office, one of the biggest challenges the Governor set to address was the critical staffing shortages at DJJ facilities. Through pay increases, signing legislation to boost salaries and enhancing safety protocols, DJJ has increased frontline correctional officers by more than 60% - the highest number the department has ever employed.

Additionally, salary increases for qualified mental health professionals, psychologists, social workers and medical specialties have helped fill vacancies and now most medical related positions are filled.

The Governor also shared DJJ now employes 44 in the transportation division, which did not exist prior to the Beshear administration. The division transports juveniles, removing the burden from local law enforcement who previously handled these transportation needs.

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