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Committee hears juvenile corrections director nominee on mental health and diversion priorities
Summary
Ashley Dowell, nominee for director of the Department of Juvenile Corrections, told the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee she plans to prioritize youth mental health, trauma-informed care and diversion to reduce youth entry into secure custody; the committee deferred a confirmation vote to its next meeting.
Ashley Dowell, the governor’s nominee to lead the Department of Juvenile Corrections, appeared before the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee and described mental-health and diversion priorities she plans to pursue if confirmed.
Director Dowell told the committee she was appointed in June 2024 and that her professional background includes work in corrections and as executive director of the Commission of Pardons and Parole. She said she is a licensed therapist and that one of her main priorities is addressing the high acuity of mental-health needs and trauma among youth in the department’s custody. Dowell said the department is pursuing both improved in-custody care and post-release supports and working with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys and probation to identify gaps in services.
Committee members asked Dowell about facility conditions and statewide capacity. Dowell said facilities are generally “clean, well kept” and that staff do good work but acknowledged “there is always room to do better” and that the department has seen an increase in its census since a low in May 2024. She reported increased recidivism over the past year and said the department is coordinating with community partners to address criminogenic and mental-health needs.
The committee thanked Dowell for appearing and noted it would vote on gubernatorial appointments at its next meeting; no confirmation vote was recorded in this hearing.
