Elko detention facility accused of ‘hobbling’ youth gets support

The Elko detention facility facing allegations of “hobbling” youth has received support to continue serving juvenile offenders.

A Commission on Statewide Juvenile Justice Reform subcommittee has unanimously recommended that the commission support the Nevada Youth Training Center in continuing to serve juvenile offenders in Northern Nevada, according to subcommittee co-chairman Scott Shick, chief juvenile probation officer in Douglas County. The recommendation will be presented to the commission at its Oct. 10 meeting.

Other options for a Northern Nevada regional facility were being considered as part of efforts to have regional facilities that keep youth closer to their families.

The commission “will review and potentially finalize the process,” Shick said.

At least five Northern Nevada judges toured the facility in August. The Governor’s Juvenile Justice Commission also recently met in Elko “to give it a fair evaluation,” Shick said.

“I was very impressed by the facility and by the dedication of the staff,” Douglas County District Court Judge Tod Young said.

However, he said, it’s clear the facility needs capital improvements.

Steve McBride, deputy administrator for juvenile services in the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services, said officials are in talks with the Nevada Public Works Board to identify those facility improvement needs and prioritize them.

Discussions are taking place to form a recommendation for a Southern Nevada regional facility, Shick said.

A lawsuit filed last month on behalf of a juvenile inmate alleges he suffered permanent injuries from the combination of a physical attack and use of force by correctional officers while housed at the Elko facility.

Contact Yesenia Amaro at yamaro@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0440. Find her on Twitter: @yeseniaamaro.