Ashford backs off on LB561’s threat to close YRTCs

KEARNEY Despite introducing a bill to close the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers in Kearney and Geneva, state Sen. Brad Ashford now says the Kearney facility could remain open if it meets youths needs.

If it can be changed, then sure, we have a facility there. As long as it can be remodeled so that it can meet the needs of the kids, then certainly Kearney can remain open, Ashford said. But its going to be a lot different facility, and the capacity is going to be significantly less and if we do keep it open. Its not up to me anyway. Its up to the Legislature.

Were not going to keep a facility open in a system that is broken, he added.

Monday, Ashford said if YRTC does remain open, it could serve 75 to 80 boys who have committed more-serious crimes.

But his comments are in contrast with earlier this year when Ashford, chair of the Legislatures Judiciary Committee, introduced LB561, which would close the boys YRTC facility in Kearney and the girls facility in Geneva by Jan. 1, 2015. Monday, Ashford said he doesnt want to close the Kearney facility if it isnt necessary. Instead hes looking at a series of options that include downsizing.

Its not me wanting to close Kearney. Thats not the point. The point is that the facility is too old, that the dormitory style isnt conducive to treatment of those kids and were mixing populations, he said. Its a facility that has had changes in the administration, and it hasnt had consistent treatment planning over the years, and that has to change.

But state Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney has serious concerns about the bill. He doesnt think the YRTCs problems warrant closing the facilities, and he still supports moving them under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Corrections. Hadley wants to hear some of the plans Ashford has in mind so they can be evaluated.

I just keep hearing many different plans, and no one has really convinced me yet that closing YRTC is going to help these young men. I dont think it should be closed.

The bill will be debated at a March 7 Judiciary Committee hearing. The hearing is open to the public.

In the meantime two of the three living units on the YRTC campus Bryant/Creighton and Lincoln/Washington have been receiving HVAC upgrades, said Carlos Castillo director of state Administrative Services. The projects include equipment replacements and upgrades for the heating and cooling systems in the facilities at a price tag of $2.5 million.

Original post:
Ashford backs off on LB561’s threat to close YRTCs