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Board approves new facility integrity and compliance coordinator for regional juvenile center
Summary
To respond to increased state oversight and new safety‑based separation rules, commissioners approved creating a facility integrity and compliance coordinator position for the West Central Regional Juvenile Center, with authority to backfill internally.
The board approved a new position — facility integrity and compliance coordinator — for the West Central Regional Juvenile Center to centralize regulatory oversight and respond to rising review demands from state agencies.
James (representing the juvenile center) told the board the position was included in the 2026 budget and had support from the facility advisory board. He cited two drivers: a shortage of appropriate mental‑health placements that sometimes leads to extended stays, and a rapid rise in regulatory reviews associated with new safety‑based separation (SBS) rules. "Responding to SBSs alone is about 33 hours of work," James said, noting the center needs a staff person expert in licensing rules (2960) who can keep incident files inspection‑ready.
Commissioner Abinger, who serves on the advisory board, said the recommendation was well received and moved to hire the coordinator at the specified line and permit internal backfill; the motion carried. Commissioners asked whether staff with requisite experience are available; James said several current employees are likely candidates but the role will prioritize written and oral communication expertise.
The board approved the hire with permission to fill the backfill position internally; the action was presented as a budgeted item that had already cleared advisory review and initial budget processes.
