Director Ashley Dowell outlines mental-health focus in testimony to Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee

Ashley Dowell, the director of the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections, appeared before the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee during a gubernatorial appointment hearing and told senators she will prioritize mental-health and trauma-informed approaches for youth in custody and diversion to reduce youth entry into correctional settings.

Director Dowell said, “My name is Ashley Dowell. I'm the Director of the Department of Juvenile Corrections,” and told the committee she was appointed in June 2024 and has worked in criminal justice for about 16 years. She described her background in corrections and parole and said her training as a licensed therapist shapes her approach: “One of the things that I really wanna focus on in our department, is just addressing mental health issues and trauma in the kids that we see in our care and custody.”

Dowell told senators she has observed a high level of mental-health acuity among youth in custody and intends to work on post-release supports as well as preventing youth from entering corrections where possible. She said public safety remains a priority alongside treatment: “...working to address some of the criminogenic needs of those kids and working to make sure that they can release into the community safely.”

On facility conditions, Dowell told the committee she found facilities “clean” and “well kept,” praised staff, and said the department is actively assessing facility needs. She acknowledged an increase in the juvenile census since a low point in May 2024 and reported a rise in recidivism over the past year; she said the department is working with judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys and probation to identify gaps.

Committee members did not take a confirmation vote on Dowell’s appointment at this meeting; the chair said votes on appointments would occur at a subsequent meeting. No formal public comment was recorded during the hearing.