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Hall County official says juvenile-justice shift cut detention days by 1,032
Summary
James Schulte, the county’s JDAI coordinator, told commissioners the county’s detention alternatives work and a proposed youth reception center have reduced youth detention by 1,032 days a year and could keep dozens of young people out of custody, saving money and reducing trauma.
James Schulte, the county’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative coordinator, told the Hall County Board of Commissioners the county has cut youth detention time substantially since starting JDAI work and is moving forward with plans for a youth reception and crisis stabilization center through Mid Plains.
“Since starting JDI in Hall County, we decreased the number of beds for youth in detention by 1,032 days per year,” Schulte said, citing the program’s data on fewer intakes, fewer law‑enforcement contacts and fewer petitions filed. He said the reductions both save money and allow youth to receive services and education in the community with less trauma.
Schulte said Nebraska currently has only one youth reception center; the proposed reception center would add services including opioid detox and medication management with an in‑house pharmacy for adults, and a youth crisis stabilization reception center. He said the county has collaborated with law enforcement, probation, the county attorney, the courts and community partners to produce the results.
Commissioners thanked Schulte and the executive JDAI team — which Schulte said includes the county attorney, two judges, the sheriff and probation leadership — and noted the financial benefit of fewer detention days. No vote was required; Schulte’s presentation served as an update and a prompt for follow‑up conversations about facility needs and potential federal funding sources he said his office has been pursuing.
Next steps: Schulte and county leadership will continue exploring the reception center plan through Mid Plains and federal funding opportunities the coordinator has discussed with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The board did not take a formal vote on a site or a financing plan at the meeting.
