CARROLL RENEWS PUSH FOR JUVENILE

 JUSTICE AND MENTAL HEALTH REFORMS

Senate Bill 111 wins Senate approval, moves to House for consideration

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 19, 2025)—Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, is championing Senate Bill 111, a measure to address long-standing issues in Kentucky’s juvenile justice system by enhancing mental health treatment for youth in crisis. The Senate approved the bill on Wednesday, and now it moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

Speaking on the Senate floor after filing the bill, Carroll spoke on the urgent need for reform, citing continued Department of Justice scrutiny and ongoing reports of violence and inadequate care within the state’s juvenile detention centers.

“Today, we still have acutely mentally ill kids isolated in cells with minimal treatment. This is still happening,” Carroll said. “We must act now to ensure these children receive the care they need while keeping our communities and facility staff safe.”

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 111

  • Acute Mental Health Juvenile Detention Facility: Supports design for a secure treatment center for mentally ill juveniles experiencing severe crises, ensuring they receive appropriate care rather than being housed in standard detention units.

  • Continuum of Care for Mental Health: Implements a structured system for evaluating and treating youth with mental illnesses, ensuring proper placement based on their level of need.

  • Facility Safety and Staffing Improvements: Provides a clear process for removing violent juveniles from non-secure inpatient facilities, addressing staffing shortages, and improving working conditions for mental health providers.

  • DOJ Compliance and System Reforms: Positions Kentucky to proactively address expected federal recommendations, reducing legal risks and improving long-term outcomes for at-risk youth.

The price for the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice to design a high-acuity mental health facility with a minimum of 16 beds with potential for future expansion is projected to be $5 million. The design will ultimately determine the construction costs to complete the facility. South Carolina is building a similar facility for acute mentally ill juveniles like the facility proposed by Carroll. 

A Senate Floor Amendment pulled language related to Carroll’s proposed two female-only detention centers, as the 2025 Legislative Session is a 30-day, non-budget session. Carroll noted a commitment to the future completion of these two facilities. They carry a cost of $45 million each. 

Carroll acknowledged concerns over costs but stressed its necessity. 

“This is a significant investment, but one we cannot afford to ignore because there is no other alternative,” Carroll said. “We have worked with experts across the justice, health, and legal sectors to craft the most effective and responsible approach to juvenile justice reform. In the next budget cycle, it is my hope the legislature will follow through with the funding necessary to make this happen.”

Carroll’s 2024 bill proposal included the necessary $95 million within the Senate’s version of the biennial budget. However, the final budget recognized further study was needed before committing the funding.

Find SB 111 by CLICKING HERE.

 

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Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Families and Children Committee. Sen. Carroll is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Health Services Committee, and the Senate Education Committee. Additionally, he is a Legislative Oversight and Investigations Statutory Committee member and serves as an ex officio (non-voting) Juvenile Justice Oversight Council member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg