FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Kentucky lawmaker is proposing the construction of a juvenile detention center, for young people needing the highest level of care and supervision.
What You Need To Know
State Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, has renewed his proposal to improve the state’s juvenile justice system
Senate Bill 125 would create a mental health facility for young offenders needing the highest level of care
The bill also calls for the creation of two female-only detention centers
Carroll’s bill now goes to the full Senate for a vote, in year’s passed that chamber has passed his bill unanimously
This year, State Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, is once again pushing for the construction of a what’s described as a high acuity mental health facility, and two additional female-only detention centers. Carroll has filed similar legislation in 2025 and 2024. Both years the State Senate unanimously passed the bill, but the measure ultimately died in the House.
“The (Department of Juvenile Justice) simply does not have the means necessary to have any chance of providing proper treatment for these kids. And that’s what this bill fixes,” Mona Womack, Deputy Secretary of Kentucky’s Justice and Public Safety Cabinet told lawmakers Thursday morning.
Carroll’s proposed, is a 24-bed, highly specialized center, that would likely be constructed in Louisville on the campus of Central State Hospital. The center would also be built with room for future expansions, he explained.
“If these kids have any chance of living a normal life and getting through the struggles that they have, or at least getting those struggles under control, the earlier we can start that process, the more success we’re going to be,” Carroll said.
Since 2023, Carroll has helped spearhead several reforms within DJJ, and says it’s now up to the legislature to fund this project.
In 2024, the Justice Department announced an investigation into the conditions within DJJ.
DOJ said at the time, the investigation would examine “whether Kentucky protects children confined in these facilities from harm caused by excessive force by staff, prolonged and punitive isolation and inadequate protection from violence and sexual abuse.” It will also investigate whether the state provides “adequate mental health services and required special education and related service to children with disabilities.”
“This is our, probably our last opportunity to step up and do this on our own,” Carroll told committee members. “I really don’t think it’ll be another year before DOJ comes down with the decision. So I just I just wanted to add that.”
Carroll told Spectrum News he will put a budget request in for his bill soon.
The governor’s budget proposal includes $35 million for the mental health center. The budget request also specifies $45 million for each of the two female-oriented institutions.
“Even though it is a significant expense, it is worth the investment for many different reasons,” Carroll said.
No one spoke in opposition of Carroll’s bill Thursday. The ACLU of Kentucky supported his bill in 2025.
SB 125 now goes to the entire chamber for a vote.