Mission Statement
The mission of the Hardin County Day Treatment Program is to provide a comprehensive range of services to at-risk youth, focusing on preventing delinquency, offering effective rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. The program emphasizes family and community involvement in the rehabilitative process, tailoring services to meet each youth’s individual needs. By offering a balance of sanctions and services, Hardin County Day Treatment Center addresses both delinquent behaviors and the challenges youth face. Hardin County Day Treatment Center’s goal is to equip youth with the skills they need for positive social growth, using real-life situations to guide them toward successful long-term adjustment.
About Hardin County Day Treatment Center
The Hardin County Day Treatment Center, founded in 1976, became the first Day Treatment Program accredited by the American Corrections Association in 1991. This recognition has led officials from across the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, to visit and learn from the program’s approach. Hardin County Day Treatment Center offers a year-round, community-based treatment program for juveniles aged 12-17 in Hardin and surrounding counties. The Hardin County Day Treatment Center services include group and individual counseling, drug and alcohol education and family therapy, with regular treatment team meetings to review progress. The primary goal is to provide essential care while allowing youth to stay at home and remain engaged in their communities.Capacity: 36
Facility Construction Date: 1976
John Ellington, Facility Manager
John Ellington has served as Deputy Facility Manager at Hardin County Day Treatment since August 2025. Prior to leading the facility, Ellington held a variety of roles across the department. He began his career with the department in 2011 as a Youth Service Program Supervisor at Audubon Youth Development Center before becoming the facility's superintendent in 2013. He became superintendent of Louisville Day Treatment, serving in this role until 2023. In 2023, Ellington transferred to the Jefferson Regional Juvenile Detention Center before becoming Facility Manager at the Campbell County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. In 2024, Ellington was made Deputy Facility Manager at Adair Regional Juvenile Detention Center, a role he held until taking over leadership at Hardin County Day Treatment.
Ellington received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Bellarmine University, where he also played four years of basketball.
643 Westport Road
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701
Phone: (270) 766-5053