The Juvenile Correctional Facility in Topeka A recent, two-part audit pointed out significant problems at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka. The first part of the audit found safety and security problems. The second part criticized the facility’s education and substance abuse programs. But, as KPR's Stephen Koranda reports, the head of the state’s juvenile corrections system testified before lawmakers yesterday (THUR) and said the facility is improving.
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Changes are being made at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka, according to the head of Kansas's juvenile corrections systems. Earlier this month, an audit said substance abuse counseling wasn’t adequate at the facility, because it didn’t meet the needs of individual offenders. Juvenile Justice Authority Commissioner Terri Williams told a legislative committee today (THUR) that the state acknowledges the system needs improvement.
The audit indicated that improving substance abuse counseling at the facility could help reduce the chances of juveniles becoming repeat offenders. Williams says a new substance abuse counselor position has been created, and officials are now studying how programs are being handled in other states.