Organization of the Week: Juvenile Probation and Detention Department

Churchill County's Juvenile Probation and Detention Department works in partnership with the Tenth Judicial District Court to supervise and rehabilitate youth involved in the juvenile justice system. The department provides probation services, rehabilitation programs and secure detention when necessary while working alongside the Juvenile Court Master, schools, families and community partners to help young people avoid repeat offenses.

The department provides investigations, supervision and services for youth appearing before the Juvenile Court Master, who presides over juvenile matters in the Tenth Judicial District Court.

During Churchill County's budget discussions earlier this year, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Motulalo Otuafi outlined requests focused on aligning staff classifications with existing responsibilities rather than expanding the department. Otuafi requested reclassifying an office specialist position to legal secretary, explaining the employee already performs many of those duties, including filing court documents and serving as clerk for the Juvenile Court Master.

The Juvenile Detention Division provides temporary, secure custody for youth awaiting court proceedings or serving short-term detention. In addition to maintaining a safe environment, the facility provides meals, educational opportunities and programs intended to support youth during their stay.

Otuafi also requested an additional $10,000 for food services, citing rising food costs. He told commissioners the department explored several cost-saving options, including purchasing meals through the hospital, partnering with the Senior Center and coordinating food orders with Churchill County Social Services through Sysco. None of those alternatives would produce meaningful savings, he said.

When commissioners asked whether meals could be provided through the Churchill County School District, Otuafi explained that although some youth attending school receive breakfast there, the detention facility serves breakfast to every juvenile in its care to ensure no one begins the day hungry.