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Mission Statement

About Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center

Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center opened in August 1965 as a boys camp. The 680+ acre facility is surrounded by Lake Cumberland on three sides and includes nine separate buildings serving as housing, administration, education, gymnasium, maintenance, storage, religious services, and activities.

The juvenile living area is an open bay design with a maximum capacity of 40 beds. The center houses male public and youthful offenders ages 13 to 18.5.

Facility Information

• Security Level: Medium
• Bed Capacity: 40 residents
• Year Constructed: 1965

Visitation Information

Regular visitation is held Sundays, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Only pre-approved visitors are permitted. Visitors should contact the resident's community worker and facility counselor in advance to complete approval.
• All visitors are expected to follow facility visitation guidelines. Visitation may end early if a resident or visitor does not comply with facility rules.

Programs & Activities

Residents are responsible for maintaining the grounds, an ongoing responsibility that teaches accountability and pride in their environment. Staff provide guidance throughout these activities, modeling positive behavior and supporting residents as they build life skills.

Recreation includes a basketball court, softball field, and boat dock, where residents can earn the privilege to fish, swim, or kayak based on behavior. These amenities support the center's focus on responsibility, teamwork, and healthy leisure activities.

Education & Vocational Training

Educational services are provided in partnership with Wayne County Schools, with classes held Monday through Friday when school is in session. Academic credits earned at LCYDC count toward graduation, and students meeting Kentucky's requirements - 22 credits through Wayne County - may earn a High School Diploma, with progress tracked via an individual transcript and credit count sheet. Instruction is delivered by four certified academic teachers and three vocational instructors, covering core subjects plus electives. Weekly library services are also offered and a reading acceleration program is available for students reading below grade level.

Students can also earn industry certifications in Building and Apartment Maintenance/NCCER Core Competencies, Network Cabling (Copper and Fiber), OSHA-10 Safety, and Welding (Welders Helper plus 2G, 3G, and 4G State Certifications).

Additional support includes an Individual Transition Plan, with job search and community resources, from the Vocational and Re-entry Coordinator

Counseling & Treatment

Youth in the LCYDC program participate in individual, group, and family counseling. Individual sessions help residents recognize negative behavior patterns and develop healthier ways to respond to difficult situations. Group sessions create a structured space for discussing treatment goals, daily living issues, and peer feedback on progress. Family counseling gives staff insight into family dynamics and allows family members to take an active role in supporting the youth's progress. LCYDC's treatment approach incorporates a range of evidence-based programs.​

​William Huffaker, Superintendent

William Huffaker began working at Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center in 2012, and was promoted to juvenile facility manager in 2018, a role he continues to hold. He attended Eastern Kentucky University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in homeland security police studies and asset protection. Huffaker has also completed a master's level certificate in homeland security and emergency management