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Commission advances ordinance limiting seclusion in juvenile facilities, adopts restorative-practice safeguards
Summary
By a recorded vote, the Shelby County Commission approved an ordinance tightening rules on seclusion at the Youth Justice & Education Center and adding restorative practices; clergy groups and a formerly detained youth testified in support during public comment.
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance to amend the county code on seclusion and restorative-practice procedures at the Youth Justice & Education Center, following public testimony in favor from advocacy groups and people with lived experience.
Shirley (executive director of a clergy collaborative) urged support, saying the ordinance requires seclusion only for immediate safety concerns and ensures continued access to services, programming and legal counsel. "When the government takes custody of a child, it assumes a responsibility to protect that child while also protecting the public," she said. Shakiria Rainey, who said she was once detained in the juvenile system and later tried as an adult, recounted her experience and urged commissioners to pass the protections.
Why it matters: The ordinance revises definitions and procedures governing temporary housing and seclusion, emphasizing de-escalation, rehabilitation, and safeguards such as continued access to education and mental-health services for youth in custody. Commissioners added sponsors during the meeting and the ordinance passed on a recorded vote (9 ayes).
