STATEMENT RELEASE:
SENATE LEADER RESPONDS TO DOJ’S ANNOUNCED INVESTIGATION
INTO KENTUCKY’S DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
Senate President Pro-Tem David Givens reacts
FRANKFORT, KY (May 15, 2024)— The following is a statement from Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens, R-Greensburg, in light of the recently announced investigation into Kentucky’s Department of Juvenile Justice:
"In light of troubling reports of abuse at Kentucky's juvenile justice facilities, including a violent sexual assault at the Adair County Detention Center, the Senate remains committed to addressing these serious issues. Our consistent advocacy for policy and budget reforms aims to rectify the ongoing crisis within the Department of Juvenile Justice.
"It is disheartening that such measures are necessary, but we hope the impending federal investigation will serve as a crucial wake-up call for the Beshear administration. This is an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to the welfare of Kentucky's troubled youth and to ensure the safety of the staff in these facilities.
"We urge the Governor and his administration to extend full cooperation to the federal investigators. Furthermore, we hope the investigators will seriously consider the thorough and eye-opening findings of the independent performance audit released earlier this year."
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Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg, represents the 9th Senate District, which includes Barren, Edmondson, Green, and Hart Counties, as well as northwestern Warren County. He serves in Senate Majority leadership as Senate President Pro Tempore. Additionally, he serves as co-chair of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity. Givens is also a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Agriculture; Education; and Appropriations and Revenue.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of Givens, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate109.jpg.
