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Juvenile Justice Bill Clears KY House
By: Associated Press
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The Kentucky House has passed a bill promoted as making the biggest changes to the state's juvenile justice system in decades.
The measure is aimed at having fewer children locked up.
It would steer more young offenders toward community-based treatment as an alternative to detention.
The measure passed on an 84-15 vote. It returns to the Senate, which will consider minor changes by the House. If the Senate accepts those changes, the bill would be sent to Gov. Steve Beshear.
Supporters said the bill would save the state millions of dollars and ensure early intervention to help turn around the lives of troubled children.
The bill focuses on early treatment that could include behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse services.