Council Member Lee Introduces Juvenile Detention Staff Training Bill

Recognizing Councilmember Lee, followed by Krishna, then Mealy.

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today I'm proud to introduce legislation that takes a necessary step towards ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of young people in our juvenile detention system.

Intro 1259 requires that direct service staff, those who interact most closely with youth in our detention facilities, receive foundational training and behavioral support strategies.

These are the staff at detention centers and community-based organizations who are with these young people day in and day out, managing tense moments, building trust, and shaping outcomes.

Right now, many of these workers do not have the tools they need, and they may not have formal training in de-escalation, trauma-informed care, or culturally competent behavioral responses.

And when a moment of crisis occurs, they're left without clear evidence-based strategies to handle it.

That's what this bill changes.

We're requiring that all direct service staff complete training in the basic science of behavior and learning, techniques for reinforcing positive behaviors, non-punitive de-escalation methods, and trauma-informed culturally responsive approaches to care.

The training will be flexible, it can be done in person, online, or through a hybrid model, and it will be mandatory for all current staff within a year with a clear timeline for new hires.

This is about leveling the playing field by investing not only in government systems but also in the trusted community partners who make rehabilitation truly possible.

Thank you, and I look forward to working with all of you to see this passed.