Since 1972, oversight of the Strickland Youth Center has been in the hands of the juvenile court system—specifically, Presiding Judge Edmond Naman. But that setup might soon change.
At the next Mobile County Commission meeting, officials will consider moving administrative control of the center from the court system to the county government.
Judge Naman believes it’s long overdue.
“It never should have happened that way,” he said, referring to the outdated structure. He’s juggled court cases while also managing the day-to-day operations of a detention facility, something most judges across the country don’t—and legally shouldn’t—do.
The Courtroom and the Cell Block Don’t Mix
The issue isn’t just about workload. It’s about ethics.
Imagine a judge responsible for investigating a complaint from a detained youth—and then presiding over that same youth’s case.
That’s the awkward line Naman walks every day. “It really creates all kinds of liability issues as a judge,” he said. “It is high time that this happened.”
His stance is firm: judges shouldn’t be running detention centers. Their focus should stay on the bench, not the breakroom or booking desk.
What Would Actually Change?
If the County Commission votes yes, the Strickland Youth Center would become a new division under the Mobile County administration. The staff, structure, and daily operations would largely stay intact—just under new leadership.
County Administrator Eddie Kerr would become the official point of oversight. For the staff at Strickland, that means a new reporting line, but familiar routines.
“It’ll simply be a new division of the county commission,” said Commissioner Randall Dueitt. “Those people working in that department now will ultimately report to County Administrator Eddie Kerr.”
No Role for the Sheriff’s Office
From the start, one concern has lingered: Would the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, which runs the adult jail, also oversee youth detention?
The answer is no.
Commissioner Dueitt was clear: “The sheriff’s office will not be involved in this transition whatsoever.” The aim is to avoid any crossover between juvenile and adult detention policies—and to maintain an environment tailored specifically to youth.
That reassurance matters. Running a youth facility requires a different mindset, different skills, and a different system entirely.
A Smoother, Safer Path Forward
The proposal wouldn’t just realign job titles—it would bring Mobile’s youth detention practices in step with what’s considered best practice nationwide. Most juvenile centers report to a county agency, not a courtroom.
The vote could mark a quiet but meaningful turning point. No big staffing shakeups. No change in mission.
Just a cleaner structure—one that frees up judicial time, protects vulnerable kids from ethical mishaps, and creates clearer accountability.
The Strickland Youth Center will keep doing what it’s always done. But if the commission signs off, it’ll be doing it with a little more clarity, and a little less conflict.
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