Kentucky: Righting the Course for Youth

Kentucky, like many other states, was sending low-level youth offenders to correctional facilities at a high cost. Research has shown such actions are expensive and more harmful in the long-run compromising public safety and the health and well-being of youth and communities. Several years ago, the state created a bipartisan legislative Task Force to study the issue and develop a list of recommendations to assist Kentucky youth. Senate Bill 200 was the result of the Task Force’s efforts. SB 200 has the goal of refocusing critical resources for the most serious youthful offenders, strengthening evidence-based practices in local communities, and improving government performance and oversight. Nearly a year after its implementation, guests are appearing on Spotlight on Youth to discuss the impact to-date and share their experiences and lessons learned in the development and implementation of SB 200.
 
Guests
Amanda Bear, Kentucky Managing Attorney, Children’s Law Center 
Rachel Bingham, Executive Officer, Department of Family & Juvenile Services,
Administrative Office of the Courts
Pamela Lachman, Senior Associate, Crime and Justice Institute, Community Resources for Justice