In summarizing Senate Bill 200 (SB 200), SB 200 offers a more effective use of resources to hold offenders responsible, attain better results for Kentucky youths in the juvenile justice system and their families, and maintain public safety. The amendments to the bill are grounded on recommendations from a bi-partisan, inter-branch task force and extensive stakeholder input. The bill addresses three key points to ensure improved effectiveness and outcomes. Firstly, using the right resources on the right child to produce better outcomes. SB 200 uses the costly resources/treatments on more serious offenders by placing restrictions on the commitment of lower level offenders and the length of time they may be placed out-of-home. Secondly, SB 200 addresses timely quality treatment and supervision to hold youth accountable. The bill provides for earlier access to treatment and supervision and increases funding for high quality services in local communities. Thirdly, evaluating the effectiveness of the bill this is done by establishing oversight and performance measurement for the policies. SB 200 covers both major and minor revisions to Juvenile Justice in Kentucky. Prior to SB 200 children with minor offenses are often placed away from their home although they are no risk to public safety. Children were penalized severely and often …show more content…
Brooks stated “the bill makes great strides toward focusing costly incarcerations and other out-of-home placements on only the most serious offenses”