Subcommittee told juvenile detention facilities have MHCPs but no budget appropriation; out-of-state placement data to be provided

At a June 3 meeting of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, & Judiciary, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and Department for Juvenile Justice officials updated members on high-acuity mental-health services for youth in detention centers.

Rebecca Norton, budget director for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, said Mental Health Care Providers (MHCPs) are present in facilities but “there is no appropriation for them in the current budget.” Commissioner Randy White said each detention facility has MHCPs and that the department maintains a contracted psychiatrist through the University of Kentucky.

Deputy Secretary Mona Womack told the committee that facility staff are correctional officers rather than emergency medical professionals and that she would provide the committee with the number of youth sent out of state for treatment and the associated costs. Representative Nima Kulkarni and other members asked for population and cost details; officials said those numbers fluctuate depending on judicial decisions and clinical placement needs.

Senator Robin L. Webb told presenters that “even just one youth being sent out of state is unacceptable,” underscoring member concern about out-of-state placements. Chair Shelley Funke Frommeyer said presenters will be asked to return in November and Senator Keturah J. Herron requested information specifically on the Jefferson County Detention Center.

The subcommittee recorded the update and requested follow-up data; there were no formal votes or budget actions during the session.