Juvenile Corrections asks for funding to cover rising treatment costs, radio upgrades

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee heard budget requests and program updates from the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC) on Feb. 18, 2025, including a $300,000 ongoing general‑fund request to cover higher residential substance‑use treatment costs and a $380,000 one‑time request to upgrade radio equipment at all three state juvenile correction centers.

The requests come as IDJC officials reported higher per‑day treatment costs and longer stays for youth in residential substance‑use programs. "The cost of daily residential treatment for this program has, doubled since 2021," analyst Noah Peterson told the committee, noting the per‑day rate rose from $198 to $399 and the average length of stay increased from 31 days to 67 days.

Why it matters: Committee members pressed agency leaders for data about population trends, diversion success and the causes of worsening youth mental‑health indicators. The budget requests would offset program cost increases and fund safety and technology improvements the agency says are needed to protect staff and youth.

Details of budget requests and context IDJC…