In an interview yesterday, Fitial said it is necessary to take the juvenile detention center out of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs hands because “we are having many problems” with the unit.
The governor, who issued an executive order for the transfer on Wednesday, said he believes the government can contain these problems by placing the unit under Corrections which he plans to merge with the Department of Public Safety.
Fitial assured that the transfer of juvenile detention unit will not cause a change in his proposed budget. Only the operations will change, he said.
Executive Order 2011-04 states that in response to growing demands of the CNMI and its residents, DCCA has taken on the responsibility for numerous human services type activities including the Office on Aging, the Nutrition Assistance Program, Arts and Culture, Sports and Recreation, the Historic Preservation Office, and the Chamorro/Carolinian Language Policy Commission.
The government recently requested Management Analysis Inc. to conduct an organizational review of DCCA, and make recommendations for improved operational efficiency, level of service and assurance that all local and federal laws and regulations are being complied with, the EO stated.
It noted that the CNMI entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to meet federal correctional standards at local facilities including the juvenile detention unit.
Corrections’ management staff, the EO stated, has expertise in management of facilities, is aware of the consent decree requirements and understands federal standards.
Corrections also has an internal investigative unit to investigate allegations of employee misconduct while the juvenile detention unit has none, the order stated.
Based on feedback from employees and management, observations and analysis, the Management Analysis Inc. recommended that the unit be transferred to Corrections.
The EO gives the Corrections commissioner in conjunction with the Division of Youth Services, the responsibility to carry out programs for juveniles.
But DYS will relinquish to Corrections the responsibility for the administration and operation of the juvenile detention facility.
