(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WVLT) The interim board of directors for the Knox County Juvenile Detention Center met for the second time Wednesday, focusing on some of the center’s partners. One of those partners — the Department of Children’s Services — revealed at the meeting that the state hadn’t approved the center.
“That was news to us to hear today,” Board President Larsen Jay said. “But we have heard of reports either with the comptroller’s office or with the Department of Children’s Services that were ongoing. So, today was a way to validate. There were some ongoing reports and some investigations, and there were some ongoing issues with validation, accreditation, licensing. All of the things that make sure the center is up to the state standards.”
Those other partners — Knox County Schools and the center’s mental health program — will play a big part in getting kids on the right track, according to interim Superintendent Brian Bivens.
“So many of these kids have experienced trauma, and they may be there for 24 hours, they may be there six months,” Bivens said. “But, regardless of how long they have been there, if I can get them some of that assistance they need while there, that’s better than nothing.”
The meeting comes not long into the center’s transition to new leadership, sparked by the news that the center’s precious director — Richard L. Bean — had fired two employees who tried to report issues at the center.
Jay said the group is hoping to build positive trends over the next six months.
“We left here on our tour in our first meeting knowing and having the confidence that we have a safe, secure and healthy facility,” Larsen said. “And that our children that are in our detention are well cared for. So, we left with that knowledge. Now, we are sort of adding to the team and seeing the potential for rehabilitation and a place for health and healing.”
Jay said the board hopes to set a standard based on transparency.
