TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Feb 23, 2026

The Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center could soon be governed and operated by Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin, Knox News reports. Knox County commissioners are scheduled to vote Feb. 25 on whether to place Irwin in charge. If approved, a final vote would be required in March. Irwin said he is prepared to take on the added responsibility with the support of newly trained staff. Under the proposal, Irwin would be accountable to an advisory board of experts he appoints, along with members selected by the county mayor and the chair of the Knox County Commission. The move follows improvements at the facility, which was certified Feb. 10 by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services for the first time in three years.