New Director Returns to Dallas Juvenile Department Amid Abuse Investigations

DALLAS – In a pivotal move, the Dallas County Juvenile Board has appointed Michael Griffiths as the Interim Director of the Juvenile Department, coinciding with two ongoing state investigations into allegations of abuse within the department. Griffiths, who is familiar with the department's operations, emphasized the urgent need to restore credibility with the juvenile board, the commissioners court, and the community at large. His appointment follows a tumultuous period marked by a public dispute involving the former director, Darryl Beatty. Griffiths has already begun assessing the facilities and implementing physical improvements to create a more suitable environment for young adults involved in the department's programs. He acknowledged the previous concerns raised by District Attorney John Creuzot, who had requested an external review over a year ago. Griffiths noted that there has been a significant reduction in the juvenile population in custody, which is now half of what it was a year ago, a trend that he intends to continue. In his role, Griffiths is committed to addressing the needs of youth in the system, advocating for a more realistic approach to probation and detention. He highlighted the importance of timely interventions, questioning the rationale behind delaying probation for youth who are set to return home. Griffiths maintains close communication with Creuzot and aims to foster collaboration between the Juvenile Board and the Commissioners Court to effectively manage resources and meet the needs of the community. As he steps into this critical role, Griffiths remains focused on making meaningful changes within the department, particularly in light of the heightened demands for juvenile services across Dallas County.