China Spring makes transition to county operation

It’s possible recruitment for a new director at China Spring Youth Camp could begin in February after Douglas County commissioners approved a new ordinance last week.

“This is a significant change coupled with the major transition in Camp leadership that will require careful navigation, particularly in the early stages,” said Douglas County Manager Jenifer Davidson. “The stability, success, and safety of employees and residents is a top priority for my office and the Board of County Commissioners.”

On Monday, Interim Director Jenna Sexton said that the biggest change at the camp is the transfer of administration from the courts to the county manager.

She said county Human Relations Manager Wendy Lang was spending time at the camp to provide some guidance under the new management.

Lang has been designated as an acting Assistant County Manager to serve as a liaison from the County Manager’s Office, providing direct resources and support, helping the team at China Spring continue to be successful during this transition, according to the county.

Lang’s first priority will be to conduct a competitive recruitment to fill the vacant Director of Juvenile Camp Services at China Spring Youth Camp.

“To give Camp the attention necessary at this critical juncture, I have assigned Wendy Lang administrative oversight of the Camp,” Davidson adds. “Taking this action will allow camp employees to have direct contact with my office, allowing Wendy and I to review Camp functions, strengths, and opportunities for growth and improvement in partnership with camp stakeholders.”

Sexton said the camp has closed one side of the boys dormitory to prevent any further incidents where residents aren’t being supervised.

“Getting staff trained up again is a top priority,” she told the China Springs Youth Camp Advisory Committee. “We need to do that so senior staff can spend more time with new people.”

That means the boys are doubling up in the rooms, which while concerning, means there will be additional eyes on the children.

Chairwoman Liz Florman, who represents Washoe County’s Second Judicial District, said the change in ordinance last week went through smoothly.

She through the various juvenile probation chiefs and directors wrote a letter to the county making sure the counties still have a voice at the executive level.

Commissioners also appointed Sharla Hales to serve on the committee, who told the group there are some refinements to make at some point after input from the committee.

The China Spring Youth Camp is dedicated to helping male and female, mid-level offenders between the ages of 12 and 18 develop skills, knowledge, and experience to promote health and resiliency, and arrest-progression of problems caused by delinquent behavior. The camp provides behavioral healthcare services, including services for co-occurring issues, to youth and their families.