The Shelby County Commission meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding the management and funding of juvenile detention facilities. Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins opened the discussion, confirming that previous committee meetings had covered the main points, but he invited questions for further clarification.

Commissioner Brooks directed his inquiries to Judge Tarek Sugarman, the Juvenile Court Judge, seeking details on the financial implications of transitioning management from juvenile court to the sheriff's office, which occurred in 2015. Judge Sugarman highlighted that approximately $6 million and 100 positions were transferred during this transition, but there has been no offer to return these resources. He noted that the current facility at the Youth Justice and Education Center (YJAC) requires a significantly higher budget and staffing than the previous location.

A pressing concern raised by Judge Sugarman was the reduction in available court docket spaces for juvenile cases, which have decreased from 110 to about 35. This compression limits the court's ability to process cases effectively. He warned that if funding is not restored to the Department of Corrections, the juvenile court may face severe operational challenges, particularly with the impending implementation of Senate Bill 718. This legislation could restrict the court's ability to manage cases unless a written agreement is established with a licensed institution or agency.

Judge Sugarman emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that without the necessary funds, the juvenile court would be forced to hire a private vendor to manage detention, which could lead to inadequate care for the youth in custody. The commission's discussions underscored the critical need for financial support to ensure the effective management of juvenile justice in Shelby County. The next steps will involve further deliberations on budget allocations and potential legislative actions to address these pressing issues.