Kansas Governor Sam Brownback wants to merge the state's Juvenile Justice Authority with the Department of Corrections. The governor says he’ll propose an executive reorganization order in the coming legislative session to merge the two agencies.
Brownback says a Legislative Post Audit report this summer showed that the social services approach of previous administration failed to provide safety and security. He says the merger will improve safety, and that programs proven to get youth back on the right path will continue.
The governor’s plan would appoint acting JJA commissioner Terri Williams to the new position of Deputy Secretary of Juvenile Services. The Juvenile Justice Authority currently has custody of more than 1,500 youth offenders ages 10-23.
Lawmakers will have 60 days to consider the governor’s proposal. If neither the House nor the Senate reject it, it will take effect in July.