Welcome

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is one of five departments under the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The department is responsible for prevention programs for at-risk youth, court intake, pre-trial detention, residential placement/treatment services, probation, community aftercare/reintegration programs and youth awaiting adult placement or court.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (KY DJJ) was established in 1996 with the passage of HB 117 by Kentucky's General Assembly. KY DJJ strives to promote a comprehensive array of cost-effective services for at-risk youth directed toward preventing delinquency, providing efficient rehabilitation services, and altering the rate of recidivism with appropriate aftercare, while minimizing risk to the community. In providing services, the Department supports and believes in the complete involvement of both the family and the community in the rehabilitation process.

Kentucky has been nationally recognized for the continuum of care it provides for rehabilitating delinquent youth.  While many state's out-of-home placement options are limited to two or three large institutions, Kentucky is able to serve youth in a variety of small programs designed to meet specific treatment needs.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice's mission is to improve public safety by providing balanced and comprehensive services that hold youth accountable, and to provide the opportunity for youth to develop into productive, responsible citizens.

The Department's vision is to be an organization of well-trained professionals dedicated to the positive development of youth who contribute to safe and caring communities.