Tulsa Juvenile Detention Home Faces Severe Staffing Shortage

Tulsa Juvenile Detention Home Operating at Half Capacity

Staff Shortages and Violence Create Ongoing Safety Concerns

The Tulsa Juvenile Detention Home is facing a severe staffing crisis following a rise in violent assaults, threats against officers, and unusually high employee turnover. Director David Parker says the facility — designed for 63 residents — can now safely house only 34 youth offenders, a reduction driven entirely by personnel shortages.

Turnover Crisis: 84 Hired, 84 Lost

Since stepping into the job in 2024, Parker reports hiring 84 staff members and losing that exact same number, describing the churn as unsustainable. Staff have repeatedly been injured by youth offenders, contributing to burnout and departures.

Call for Legislative Action

Parker says the current structure of the juvenile justice system is partly to blame. He believes youthful offenders — those facing more serious charges who could be transferred to adult court — should not be housed with adjudicated juveniles. That change, he argues, requires legislative action.

He warns that without systemic reform, safety risks will continue for both staff and youth inside the facility.

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