Panel adds back money for youth parole services, camps

CARSON CITY — Nevada lawmakers say they are worried about violent uprisings in youth detention camps and are adding money to keep staff on board.

A joint Senate and Assembly money committee voted Friday to reject $307,000 cut over the next two years that would have affected the China Springs and Aurora Pines youth camps in Douglas County.

Camp personnel testified that some of the youth are gang members prone to fight with each other, and staff could be overpowered if more layoffs went through.

The committee also wants to add back $10.8 million over the next two years to keep state funds flowing to youth parole services. The governor’s budget recommended pushing the responsibility to counties.

Opponents said that could overburden the juvenile justice system and the counties.