Virginia Senate Bill SJR250

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23
• Report Pass: 1/20/23
• Engrossed: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/13/23

Caption

Juvenile Justice, Department; JLARC, et al., to study transferring responsibility for Department.

Impact

The proposed transfer aims to promote a more coordinated approach to addressing the complex needs of juvenile offenders, particularly those exhibiting significant mental health issues. The bill acknowledges that many youths in the juvenile justice system are dealing with disorders and have been prescribed psychotropic medications. By aligning the Department of Juvenile Justice under health administration, stakeholders hope to streamline services and enhance the overall welfare of these youths, improving their chances of reintegration into society as productive citizens.

Summary

SJR250 calls for a study by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to investigate the potential transfer of the Department of Juvenile Justice's oversight from the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. The bill highlights the numerous challenges faced by court-involved youths, focusing on their mental health needs and the importance of providing adequate support and intervention services until they reach the age of 21. Currently, the Department of Juvenile Justice is the only state agency responsible for youth services that lacks oversight from the health sector, which raises concerns about the comprehensive management of these vulnerable individuals' needs.

Contention

However, the bill may spark debate around administrative efficacy, funding, and the prioritization of juvenile justice policies versus public health frameworks. Opponents may question whether merging these responsibilities will effectively address the unique challenges faced by juvenile justice populations or overlook critical nuances in serving at-risk youths. The feasibility of such a transfer, and the potential disruptions it could cause, will be closely examined in the JLARC study, which aims to provide actionable recommendations by the beginning of the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly.