Department of Health and Human Services announces new system for juvenile defenders

After a number of concerns from parents and officials regarding the poor conditions of the facility in Geneva, Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday they will be introducing a new three part system for juvenile offenders.

In the statement, Danette Smith, the chief executive officer for DHHS said, 

“Moving forward and establishing the YRTC system is the first step to reforming Nebraska’s youth services. The three–pronged approach addresses immediate needs while ensuring the safety and well–being of the youth we serve,” Smith said. 

With campuses in Kearney, Geneva and Lincoln…

The new approach will turn Kearney’s campus into an in–take and classification facility.

Geneva would be used for girls who are preparing to return to society.

The Lincoln facility would have more intensive programming for male and female youths who aren’t responding to treatment in Kearney.

These changes come less than a month after state senators and law enforcement expressed their concern for this system.

DHHS said they hope that this change will ensure a safe and supportive environment for the youth.

The transition is expected to start as early as January 2020, with some girls making their way back to Geneva.

We’ll keep you updated as these changes are implemented.