Supervisors debate adding fourth juvenile detention bed with Linn County amid access and service concerns

Johnson County supervisors debated whether to increase the county's contract with Linn County for juvenile detention beds from three to four, with law enforcement, juvenile court staff and defense attorneys urging an extra locally available bed and some supervisors urging caution while pursuing longer-term diversion and treatment options.

The discussion matters because contracted local beds affect where detained youth are held, how quickly lawyers and family can see them, and county transportation and staffing costs. County officials said a shortage of staffed beds at several detention centers has pushed placements farther away and sharply increased the county's out-of-county bed days this fiscal year.

Supervisor Sullivan, who sponsored the item, said the board had previously approved three contracted beds but that some staff recommended four and she was “concerned about that.” She said Linn County offers closer and better services than many alternatives, and questioned whether the board should commit to expanding capacity while pursuing other reforms. “We ended up approving 3 beds. I am concerned about that,” Sullivan said.

Several people who…