Commissioners approve resolution to dissolve Youth Services Center advisory board

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 22 voted to approve Resolution 24144, dissolving the Youth Services Center Advisory Board after the board heard opening remarks from the center’s new director, Sam Boffto.

Boffto, who identified himself as the Youth Services Center director and said he has prior jail-command experience, told the board he was hired to review operations and implement changes. He said he had found the advisory board’s role unclear and argued it lacked relevant professional experience: "None of the members of the advisory board have any jail experience whatsoever," he said.

The director said the changes are part of an effort to "streamline things" at the facility, citing policy updates and infrastructure work already under way, including security cameras and planning for a generator. He said he keeps regular contact with staff and other detention commanders and highlighted in-house mental-health support through an LCSW staff member, Sean Dunn.

During a brief question-and-answer period, a commissioner asked whether the facility had counselors in place to handle mental-health needs; Boffto said medical personnel are available and that the facility relies on Billings Clinic for cases that require clinical treatment. He also noted licensing limits, saying the center does not accept youth with severe mental illness or autism and that those youth are referred to hospitals when appropriate.

The chair opened the public hearing and recorded no public commenters. Unidentified Commissioner (S3) moved to approve Resolution 24144; after a second, board members answered "aye" and the chair declared the motion passed.

The resolution removes the advisory board as a formal oversight body. Boffto and commissioners said the director and staff will continue to coordinate with community partners and other detention professionals as the center implements operational changes.