Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice is now the subject of a federal investigation.

Today, the Department of Justice announced it's looking into reports of civil rights abuses.

The investigation will examine conditions in Kentucky's eight youth detention centers and one youth development center.

U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke outlined the scope of the investigation in a post on social media.

We will review whether there are unconstitutional conditions, including the use of unreasonable physical and chemical force by staff, inappropriate use of isolation, failure to protect children and from physical and sexual abuse.

And adequate mental health care.

Today's announcement follows years of reported issues with Kentucky's juvenile justice system, including sexual assaults and a number of violent riots.

Earlier this year, a state report found Kentucky's juvenile detention centers lacked clear policies relating to the use of force, isolation techniques and training.

It also detailed the department's significant staffing shortages.

Reforming the state's juvenile justice system was a major issue during the 2023 legislative session.

Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 162, which, among other things, appropriated more than $25 million for staff raises to help with recruitment and retention.

And in late 2022, Governor Andy Beshear took executive action and began separating male and female juveniles, as well as isolating more serious offenders from the general population.

Governor Beshear reiterated those reforms today in a statement following the DOJ's announcement.

He also criticized the legislature for not providing more funding for the agency during the past session, before saying Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice will fully cooperate with the federal government's investigation.

State lawmakers are also reacting to the news.

Senate President Pro Tem David Gibbons said the Senate is committed to fixing the issue.

In a statement, he said, quote, It is disheartening that such measures are necessary, but we hope the impending federal investigation will serve as a crucial wakeup call for the Beshear administration.