Kentucky governor appoints new commissioner to run the state’s troubled juvenile justice department

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s next juvenile justice commissioner vowed Thursday to focus on efforts to reduce youth detention rates as he prepares to take the helm of an agency that has been plagued by problems.

Gov. Andy Beshear introduced longtime state corrections executive Randy White as the next commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice. White retired from the corrections department in late 2023 after a 27-year career that included a stint as warden of the Kentucky State Penitentiary.

White assumes his new role on April 1. His predecessor as juvenile justice commissioner, Vicki Reed, became a lightning rod for criticism as the state-operated system struggled to quell violent outbursts at juvenile detention centers.

White said he agreed with what he called “positive changes” made within the agency. He noted that Kentucky isn’t the only state facing juvenile justice challenges. But he said the Bluegrass State took action to enhance protection at agency facilities and make a difference in the lives of youths in state custody.

He acknowledged that juveniles entering the criminal justice system now are accused of harsher crimes, necessitating stronger rehabilitative programs, than 27 years ago when he started his corrections career.

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