Corrections officials describe a new youthful‑offender approach but note small current population
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Summary
NDOC described efforts to house youthful offenders separately, add evidence-based programming and staffed positions, and reported eight youth currently in youthful-offender custody with programming and education partnerships under development.
The Nevada Department of Corrections described steps to reframe how youthful offenders are housed and supported inside adult facilities. Emily Testwude (NDOC deputy director of programs) said NDOC moved youthful offenders from a rural prison to Northern Nevada Correctional Center to improve access to community providers and then allocated additional Title I‑D funds to develop assessment tools, a graduated level system, and dedicated staff roles (forensic casework management specialist and program officer).
Testwude provided counts: since Jan. 1, 2025 NDOC has housed 32 youthful offenders at NNCC (21 transitioned out to other facilities), and reported eight currently in youthful-offender custody (seven male, one female). She said 10 youthful offenders had earned high school diplomas while in custody since 1/1/2025 and described partnerships with Carson City School District and other providers to expand programming.
NDOC officials emphasized that best practices require separate housing, steady trained staff, sustained programming and continuity of care, and that additional funding and staff will be necessary to implement those features fully.
Why it matters: Legislators examining juvenile certification effects and placement pathways also need clarity on how many juveniles are being housed by NDOC and whether the department’s changes reduce harms associated with transfer to adult facilities.
What’s next: NDOC said it will continue to collaborate with DCFS and local education partners to further develop programming and staffing models.
