For Immediate Release:

Feb. 13, 2018

Media Contact: 
Amy Webb,
DHS Chief of Communications and Community Engagement
501-682-8946, [email protected]

DYS Adds Deputy Director of Operations with Extensive Facilities-Management Experience

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Youth Services (DYS) has hired Jon Brown as its new deputy director to focus on the day-to-day operations of the division and the facilities it runs.   

Brown, who has been with the Office of Security at DHS for the last four months, worked for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism for over 40 years and oversaw the daily operations of all 52 state parks.

“Jon has a proven track record of leading staff and managing facilities, and I am excited that he’s agreed to bring his knowledge to DYS,” Guhman said. “This is the right time for Jon to join us because the upcoming reviews and strategic planning efforts  provide unique opportunities  to  transform key aspects of  the juvenile justice system with the help of our judges and others. Jon’s management support and oversight will allow me to focus on these reform efforts.”

DYS took over the daily management of seven of the state’s juvenile facilities in January 2017. The State plans to continue to run the facilities until July 2019, which will allow for the review mentioned above and a new competitive bidding process.

“During the next year we will continue to improve the services and infrastructure at our residential treatment facilities.  We will ensure that programs are operated in accordance with American Correctional Association standards. The residential service system review will help us design a model system of care, based on needs of our youth and  designed to maximize state and federal resources.” Guhman said. “Jon’s experience with statewide facilities and programs and the state procurement process will be invaluable as we face the important year ahead." 

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