FRANKFORT — The state hired a veteran children's advocate Thursday to spearhead efforts to solve a nagging problem in juvenile justice — the disproportionate number of minority youths in confinement.

        Ellen Kelley said she wanted discussions across Kentucky involving teachers, parents, police, judges and child welfare workers.

        Ms. Kelley said the large number of minority youths in juvenile detention centers, youth correctional facilities and jails has fos tered perceptions that juvenile justice doesn't treat everyone fairly.

        A review of Kentucky's juvenile justice system found that 41 percent of the youths placed in detention facilities in 1999 were minorities, four times greater than their percentage of Kentucky's population.

Here's how taxpayers would save
The Bush tax cut: What's it mean to me?
Pickett repeated pattern of failing, blaming others
In Evansville, Ind., residents wonder how man's life fell apart
Pickett passed gun check
RADEL: UC mansion
Ohio nursing homes may lose $250M
OxyContin maker gives $25K
Boss, I feel bad; I'll be recovering on the fairway
Dustin can hear again
3 N. Ky. music teachers honored
7 suspended in drug case at Little Miami
Agency's improvement impressive
Bill would reallocate money
Chabot among voices backing bigger tax cut
Double trouble: CG&E bills customers twice
End to tailpipe test may be costly
Man acquitted of assaulting police horse sues cops
Mayors may have to cite reasons for firings
Mich. man to face rape charge in Monroe
Middletown park to be reborn
New city housing in peril
New hire to focus on juvenile justice
Ohio trims university research
Police-fire hockey game to benefit crisis group
Student, 13, is arrested after two guns found
Teacher union wants redesign rule clarified
Turfway loves its female jockeys
Video encourages abstinence
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report