The bill amends the Kansas juvenile justice code to improve the placement of juvenile offenders in non-foster home beds within youth residential facilities. It requires the Secretary of Corrections to cover the costs of these placements and allows the use of funds from the evidence-based programs account of the state general fund for contracting these beds. Key changes include the removal of an expiration date for certain sentencing alternatives and a focus on risk and needs assessments to determine appropriate sentencing options, such as probation and community-based programs. The bill also establishes guidelines for the court's authority regarding fines and restitution, emphasizing rehabilitation and community safety.

Additionally, the bill introduces new guidelines for the commitment of chronic juvenile offenders, allowing commitment to a juvenile correctional facility only if assessed as high-risk, with a minimum commitment term of six months. It also reduces the minimum number of non-foster home beds required in youth residential facilities from 50 to 40 and prioritizes the development of evidence-based community programs for juvenile offenders and their families. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Corrections focus on regions with high out-of-home placement rates and low community-based alternatives, while also repealing several existing statutes to promote a more rehabilitative approach in juvenile justice.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2361, 38-2365, 38-2369, 38-2399, 75-52