Tulsa leaders outline changes at juvenile detention center after takeover

Tulsa County officials opened the Family Center for Juvenile Justice on Wednesday to present facility reforms. The event marks two years under county management following abuse allegations and staff arrests in 2024. State and federal authorities searched the Tulsa facility that same year.

Detention manager David Parker and County Commissioner Stan Sallee led the media tour. They detailed new security rules, staff training and mental health care.

The facility now runs an employee training academy. The two-week program expands to three weeks in October.

“We built an academy. They had no academy when we got here,” Parker said.

County documents list new safety measures to stop contraband. Staff must undergo pat searches and pass through a metal detector.

The county updated hiring rules and background checks. It also created a roster to meet mandatory staffing ratios.

Parker said audits by the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs found zero deficiencies.

Youth mistreatment reports follow a two-level internal appeal process. Unresolved grievances go to the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Parker said the facility sends three to five referrals to an outside hotline monthly. A drop in complaints alone does not establish whether abuse has declined.

“We want somebody to look at it,” Parker said.

The county logged 221 grievances in 2024 and 26 in 2025. Records show six grievances so far in 2026.

A clinician from Family & Children’s Services works on site seven days a week. Staff members also assist with family reunification.

A partnership with CREOKS provides a designated crisis bed for youth. Daily programming includes recreation and mental health support.

“It’s important that when they’re in our custody, under our oversight, that good outcomes happen while they’re here,” Sallee said.

Future facility plans include wall reinforcements, drainage repairs and new doors. Leaders seek American Correctional Association accreditation by October 2027.

The county applied for grants for mental health care and extra staff. A fourth student will soon graduate from Tulsa Public Schools.

Juvenile detention centers house youths facing legal proceedings or court-ordered placement. County officials manage daily operations and oversee resident safety.

Sallee said operations might return to district court management later. No timeline exists.

“We’re just not going to turn it over to get it off our plate,” Sallee said.