Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice

The new commissioner for the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice warned lawmakers Wednesday that an influx of youth sent to juvenile detention facilities could burden an already overtaxed system.

A state law taking effect next month will require more kids charged with violent offenses to be held in Kentucky’s troubled juvenile jails — at a time when all eight of the youth detention centers are under federal investigation for possible abuses.

A bill advancing through the state legislature would create a system and potentially build a new facility for “high acuity” children with extreme levels of aggression or violent behavior.

The commissioner of Kentucky’s troubled Department of Juvenile Justice will resign at the end of the year. Vicki Reed helmed the agency amid a series of violent incidents including assaults, rape, riots and a brief escape.

Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration is calling on lawmakers to set aside $45.2 million to boost staffing and update security in Kentucky’s youth detention facilities after a series of violent incidents in recent years.

After reports of violence from Kentucky’s juvenile detention facilities, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear announced a series of fixes, including raising pay for guards and other workers, boosting security and separating youth inmates by gender and severity of offense.

A workgroup of Republican state lawmakers says Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear needs to overhaul leadership of the state’s troubled juvenile justice system.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced a slate of juvenile justice measures in a news conference on Thursday that will include pay raises to attract and retain more workers, and protective equipment for youth workers.

Gov. Andy Beshear has announced changes to the state’s juvenile justice system aimed at improving safety and programming, like educational services.

Juvenile detention officials say staff shortages and overcrowding are among the challenges that led to fires, and an escape at a Jefferson County facility.