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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County officials have signed an agreement to transfer operations of Youth Justice and Education Center (YJEC) to the Division of Corrections, a spokesperson announced Tuesday, July 22.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County Judge Tarik Sugarmon signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), finalizing the correction division’s responsibilities.

The agreement now awaits a budget approval from the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to make the move official.

YJEC interim executive director Reese Walker will manage the day-to-day operations, which include transporting youth to and from court hearings, implementing programming in accordance with applicable laws and policies, and ensuring the safety and well-being of youth, staff, and visitors, according to the spokesperson.

The full transition is currently set to be completed by Oct. 1, 2025.

“My mission is simple: show up every day for these kids and give them a chance to rewrite their story,” Harris said. “This isn’t just about policies or procedures—it’s about people. Many of the youth at YJEC are facing some of the toughest moments of their lives. We’re here to provide stability and real opportunities for change. With the right structure, transformation is possible. That’s the standard I plan to set and the culture I’m here to build.”

This comes after the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office took steps to hand over control of the Youth Justice and Education Center (YJEC). Sheriff Floyd Bonner previously said his office was facing “challenges regarding staffing.”

Last year, reports came out that parents were not allowed to visit their kids at the Youth Center and that the children were not getting the minimum education mandated. Faith leaders and juvenile justice advocates in Memphis demanded answers and better treatment for the young people held at the center.

According to January reports, multiple lawsuits had been filed in a conflict between the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Bonner over the transporting of juveniles to the facility and continuing to operating the Youth Justice and Education Center.

“This agreement represents a unified commitment to the well-being of the youth in our care,” Sugarmon said. “The Youth Justice and Education Center plays a critical role in ensuring that young people receive not only supervision, but also the structure, treatment, and support they need to turn their lives around. We are pleased to partner with Mayor Harris and the Division of Corrections to ensure that YJEC operates in a way that prioritizes dignity, compassion, and development. I look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to strengthen outcomes for youth and families across Shelby County.”