Contact: Strategic Communications Office: 608-240-5060
DOCMedia@wisconsin.gov
MADISON, WI – Today, the Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary-Designee Kevin Carr announced the appointment of Ron Hermes as the new Division of Juvenile Corrections (DJC) Administrator. Hermes will begin the role on August 19, 2019.
“Our state is at a transformative crossroads for youth justice reform, so it was critical that we appoint a DJC leader who has a passion for being a champion for our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Secretary-Designee Carr. “Ron not only has passion for this work, he has a proven track record to match.”
Past winner of a UW-Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Welfare award, Hermes was the Director for the Bureau of Permanence and Out-of-Home Care at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) before joining the DOC in January of this year. At DCF, Hermes oversaw all policies and operations related to foster care and out-of-home care placements for at-risk youth, including the licensing and monitoring of group homes and residential care centers for children and youth and the policies and procedures related to public adoptions.
“In many cases, our children have experienced significant trauma and negative life experiences that may have led to their involvement in the juvenile corrections system. That is why it is critical that the policies and practices within the entire spectrum of Wisconsin’s youth justice system reflect the values that ALL children deserve the appropriate programs and treatment that will provide them the opportunity to live productive lives,” said Hermes.
The DJC is responsible for operating Lincoln Hills Schools and Copper Lake Schools (LHS/CLS), Wisconsin’s only Type 1 secured juvenile correctional facilities. The division also provides correctional supervision in communities for youth throughout Wisconsin.
“I am proud to have Ron at the helm of the DJC, a seasoned leader who will continue to push forward the positive, sustainable changes we have already begun to see in the DJC and in our facilities,” said Secretary-Designee Carr.
“To support Wisconsin’s youth, as well as the DJC employees who have committed their careers to serving our state, is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me,” said Hermes. “I am excited at the possibilities we have in front of us and look forward to tackling the challenges, as well.”
