Kentucky is a centralized state, meaning that delinquency services are organized mostly at the state level.  The state executive branch provides most delinquency services in Kentucky.

How is detention organized? 

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) administers all detention facilities in Kentucky with the exception of Louisville Metro Youth Detention Center in Jefferson County.

If the juvenile meets the criteria for diversion (minor offenses or up to three prior diversions for misdemeanors), the Court Designated Worker (CDW) will refer the case to the county attorney for review; this is called notice of right to special review.

The statutory rights of crime victims in Kentucky reside in the Kentucky Revised Statutes, 421.500 to 421.576.

Juvenile services workers from the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) provide most community supervision services to delinquent youth throughout the state. However, a few local areas provide some services through grants, state contracts, or local funds.

Juvenile services workers must have bachelor's degrees. Kentucky does not certify its juvenile services workers.

Juveniles are committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Juveniles are placed in a continuum of placements that range from least to most restrictive. DJJ either provides or contracts for programs and services for committed juvenile offenders. The juvenile court can directly place juveniles in private residential facilities; however, this is not done due to a lack of funds available to support such placements.

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) generally decides the juvenile's release date from secure custody, unless the court directs otherwise. However, a juvenile can also petition the court for release.

The Department of Juvenile Justice administers aftercare services, referred to as "parole" in Kentucky. All juveniles transitioning back into the community receive aftercare services unless they age out of the juvenile justice system while in placement. A combination of state and federal funds provide aftercare and intensive aftercare services.

Kentucky’s purpose clause is rooted in traditional child welfare philosophies.  This state emphasizes the promotion of the welfare and best interests of the juvenile as the primary purpose of the juvenile court system.

Lower Age: None specified

Upper Age: 17

Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 18

A risk assessment evaluation tool (Detention Risk Assessment) determines detention placement. Risk factors assessed include whether the juvenile is a danger to himself or others; whether he or she is likely to appear at subsequent hearings; severity of offense; risk of re-offending; and factors such as substance abuse, school achievement/behavior, history of court involvement, and family and peer relationships.