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Commission narrows mission-statement language and sends draft to county attorney for review
Summary
After members questioned wording that said the board "govern[s] every stage of the juvenile justice process," the commission approved posting a mission statement draft and voted to send suggested edits to the county attorney for legal review before final adoption.
The Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center Commission debated language in its proposed mission statement and agreed to involve the county attorney to ensure wording accurately describes the board’s role.
Miss Woods challenged a draft sentence that stated the board "govern[s] every stage of the juvenile justice process," saying the phrase overstates the commission’s authority and that the board’s oversight applies primarily to detained youth. Miss Woods said, "we don't govern every stage of the juvenile justice process," and asked that the language be corrected to match the board's actual scope.
Dr. McDonald proposed simplifying the overview to read, "Protecting the rights of children," removing the subsequent clause that suggested oversight across all stages of the juvenile justice process. He read the suggested phrasing aloud: "Protecting the rights of children, period." Several members agreed that the county attorney should review the final wording before the board adopts a mission statement that could create unintended legal expectations.
Following discussion, the board voted to send the draft and notes from Miss Woods and Dr. Herron to County Attorney Mister Christiansen for review and asked staff to circulate the attorney's draft to the board prior to the next meeting.
