Governor’s nominee Ashley Dowell tells senators she will prioritize youth mental health and diversion

Ashley Dowell, the governor’s nominee to lead the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections, told the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee she will emphasize mental-health and trauma-informed care, expand diversion efforts and work to reduce recidivism.

Dowell said she was appointed in June 2024 and has 16 years of experience in criminal justice, including work in the Department of Corrections and serving as executive director of the Commission of Pardons and Parole. “My background is in mental health. I'm a licensed therapist,” Dowell said, and she added that addressing mental-health acuity among youth in custody is a top priority.

Dowell told senators she is “very, very lucky to have some amazing staff” and cited partnerships with county partners. She said some facilities are “clean” and “well kept,” but that the department is reviewing facility needs and ways to improve. Dowell said the department’s census rose from an all-time low in May 2024 and that recidivism increased over the past year; she said the department is working with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys and probation to identify gaps and improve outcomes.

When asked about her philosophy, Dowell said she wants to both divert youth from corrections where possible and address criminogenic needs so youth can “release into the community safely” and be successful. “Corrections is kind of a funny thing because you wanna work yourself out of a job,” she said. “I would be delighted if we didn't have a need to continue to see kids in our custody anymore.”

Committee members asked about facility oversight and capacity; Dowell said staff are doing a good job caring for facilities and youth but that there is always room to improve and that the department is actively evaluating needs.

No committee vote on Dowell’s appointment was recorded at this meeting; the chair said nominations will be taken up at the committee’s next meeting.