The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice operates six (6) treatment-oriented Youth Development Centers in Kentucky. Each program has a dedicated academic program on site. Youth attend school and all programs offer the youth educational alternatives, such as graduation or GED track, as well as vocational opportunities. Youth can receive college credit through the virtual university program. Individual, group, and family counseling are also provided.
Youth are placed in the least restrictive available program to meet their individual treatment needs and is closest to their home. This helps the youth stay connected to their family with visits and counseling, as well as transition re-entry services back to their home, school, and community. Youth may be permitted furloughs to assist in treatment and transition planning. Some youth are discharged home after completion of a youth development center program, while others may step down to a less restrictive placement, such as a group home, private child care placement, or therapeutic foster care.
DJJ operated Youth Development Centers include:
- Adair YDC (in Columbia)
- Lake Cumberland YDC (in Monticello)
- Mayfield YDC (in Mayfield)
- Morehead YDC (in Morehead)
- Northern Kentucky YDC (in Crittenden)
- Woodsbend YDC (in West Liberty)