Bill draft requests would fund youth detention center, finance operations

When Chief Juvenile Probation Officer De Vere Karlson started her job with the Juvenile Probation Department 17 years ago, a daily concern was finding facilities to house youth who posed a danger to themselves or the community.

The same worry plagues her today.

"It's been an issue since I've been here - where are we going to put our kids," Karlson said. "We're at a critical phase right now. The best option is for a county facility with Lyon County sharing costs."

Karlson received authorization recently from Churchill County commissioners to pursue two bill draft requests - one for money to build a new youth detention facility and the other for operating costs - to solve overcrowded conditions at existing centers.

"They are very supportive," Karlson said about county officials. "The county manager is very supportive and the county commissioners are very supportive. They understand the need."

A committee made up of juvenile probation officers from Churchill and Lyon counties believes building a new detention center is the logical answer to the problem.

The group decided to explore construction of a new juvenile detention center as a joint project.

With the help of Sen. Mike McGinness, R-Fallon, the first bill draft request will ask Nevada legislators to provide money to build the new center. Karlson said early estimates come in at $3 million to $5 million for construction.

The second bill draft request would give county commissioners the ability to raise property taxes to operate the facility. Annual operating costs are projected at almost $1 million a year. Lyon County would likely pay two-thirds of costs to operate the center. Churchill County would pick up one-third.

The 24-bed facility would house violent or dangerous youth, and also provide mental health and other programs. Karlson said many troubled youth have mental health issues that aren't currently being addressed.

Fallon averages 2.5 juveniles a day who need to be placed in detention. Lyon County an average of five.

If a child needs to be detained, both counties use facilities in Carson City and Douglas County - when a bed available.

"When they run out of bed space, the only option is to release a juvenile back into the community," Karlson said.

Another concern when young people are detained far from home is transportation. If a child has a court appearance, he or she must be picked up for court and returned afterwards.

"It's an expense and it's a safety issue," said Karlson. "It's a risky proposition. We've had kids bust out windshields and break windows, or try to harm themselves. They know they are going to detention and feel they have nothing to lose."

Once a juvenile is committed to the state by a judge, the child is sent to one of four facilities where they can be held for four to nine months. China Spring and Royal Pines are south of Minden. Caliente and Elko also have facilities.

When the Western Nevada Regional Youth Center in Silver Springs opened in 2000, it was hoped it would fill the need for a place to house delinquent youth. The center is funded by Churchill, Lyon, Douglas and Storey counties, along with Carson City.

Of the center's 28 beds, five are set aside for teens who need detention. The facility focuses on substance abuse problems, providing assessment, treatment and education during a maximum 90-day stay.

Karlson said detention services at the Silver Springs center will be phased out within the next two years.

She anticipates a new detention center, which would be near the Western Nevada Regional Youth Center in Silver Springs, could be ready for occupancy by 2009 or 2010 if lawmakers approve both bill draft requests.

"Until then, we just have to hold on," Karlson said. "It's a fight every day - where can we put this child?"

• Contact reporter Marlene Garcia at mgarcia@lahontanvalleynews.com