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DJJ reports steady caseloads, hires underway; RED data presentation and discretionary-fund limits discussed
Summary
Juvenile Justice staff reported stable caseloads, upcoming hires and recreational outings for youth, and discussed a forthcoming racial and ethnic disparities (RED) data presentation. Staff also explained why Pivot Point’s recent discretionary-fund request did not meet statewide statutory requirements.
Sylvia Clement, chief court counselor with Buncombe County Juvenile Justice, told the council April 17 that caseloads were steady, assessments were current with no backlog, and the office had conducted several interviews for open court counselor positions.
Clement reported staff provided virtual court slots for detained youth unable to appear in person and said DJJ used JJDP (Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention) funds to take several youth to the Asheville Adventure (zipline/outdoor recreation) the previous day. She said there were four or five youth in secure custody that day.
Lorraine Williams (area consultant, NC DJJ) and staff discussed plans for a RED (racial and ethnic disparities) data presentation by Crystal Wynn Lewis from the state DJJ system. Council members preferred an in-person presentation to allow sufficient time for discussion. Members also debated whether to combine that presentation with the School Justice Partnership; the group leaned toward hosting a JCPC-focused session first and then creating a separate synopsis for School Justice Partnership participants.
Williams also explained why a discretionary-fund request from Pivot Point WNC did not qualify under the statute that governs those funds. She said discretionary funds have specific statutory language and are often limited to situations tied to contracted facilities; staffing requests typically do not meet the statutory test unless under narrow circumstances (for example, to prevent a program closure). Pivot Point’s proposed use — to fund a community liaison position tied to a prior vehicle award conversation — did not meet the requirements for statewide discretionary funds in the review by NC DJJ staff.
Council members said they would continue to explore local reallocation options and other funding pathways to support program staffing where appropriate.
No formal council action was required on the RED-data scheduling or the discretionary-funds explanation; staff will coordinate dates and circulate details.
