Yesterday we told you about new allegations concerning the state's youth detention centers.

Officials with the Department of Public Advocacy, which represents individuals charged with a crime who cannot afford an attorney, said some juvenile offenders were being kept in isolation for up to 21 days at a time.

They also testified that isolation was being used as a form of punishment, which goes against the Department of Juvenile Justice's policy of reserving isolation only for major rule violators, prisons.

Lauren Hunter is a trial lawyer and public defender.

She says there is a lot of research showing the dangers of isolation, particularly among youth.

There is science that says it creates psychosis, paranoia, depression, self-harming, behavior, suicide.

You know, and JJ, I think has recognized this at one point because their policies were created in 2022.

And if their policies are to be followed, it's a recognition of the science as to why this is a danger.

And response officials overseeing the detention center said they were unaware of the EPA's claims.

But Justice and Public Safety Secretary Kerry Harvey did give some real world examples to illustrate why extended periods of isolation may actually be needed.

I have monthly meetings with the Public Advocate.

I can assure you that he has never address one word of any of this that you've heard here today.

Nobody wants any youth or anybody to be isolated.

But if that's what you have to do to try to preserve safety, I mean, what else can you do?

Yesterday, lawmakers also learned how de J.J. was implementing new procedures.

You'll recall earlier this year, Governor Andy Beshear ordered juvenile center workers to have pepper spray, which was later codified into law with the passage of Senate Bill 162.

Secretary Harvey said that while some employees have been disciplined and even fired for improperly using pepper spray, he felt the tool was having a positive outcome.

According to De J.J., in the six months prior to pepper spray being carried by staff.

There were 29 assaults and youth detention centers.

Now, in the six months since pepper pepper spray was introduced.

There have been only eight assaults.