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Juvenile director moves on By SARA MURPHY Jackson County Juvenile Department Director Alan Young on Monday announced plans to leave his position in September to pursue interests in technology and teaching. "I've had more fun at this job than I probably should have," Young said. "My leaving is solely because I've developed some interests and curiosities in other areas." Young, 52, has led the county juvenile department since 1994. He said his reason for leaving "has nothing to do with Jackson County." County Administrator Sue Slack declined to announce plans for Young's replacement. A press release issued by Slack said she "would take some time to evaluate and determine the future of the juvenile services department." Young said his plans for the future are also "indefinite." He may return to school to study technology or to teach college-level juvenile justice courses. "I have been working for over 28 years in the day-to-day activities of the juvenile justice system," Young said. "I'm becoming more curious about pursuing other options." Slack praised Young's efforts to develop the county's Victim Offender Program, the Community Accountability Board and new technology to monitor juvenile offenders. "I also admire Alan's desire to take on new challenges and I wish him well," Slack said. Despite his disappointment over failed bond issues in 1998 and 1999, Young said he has no regrets about leaving the county without having had the opportunity to help build a new juvenile facility in downtown Medford. "I've done a lot of work on that for about five and a half years," he said. "I think there's a lot of very dedicated people here who can carry that work forward." Before taking his local post, Young worked 17 years as director of the Yamhill County Juvenile Department. He is a Roseburg native and holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Oregon University in Monmouth. In 1998, Young became the target of an internal investigation after some juvenile department employees sent a letter to former County Administrator Burke Raymond expressing no confidence in Young's leadership. At that time, Raymond declined to discuss specific problems within the department other than to express continued confidence in Young. The county held a series of workshops to improve communication in the department. County Commissioner Ric Holt said he was surprised to learn of Young's resignation Monday. "He's one heck of a guy," Holt said. " I'm certainly saddened to see him pursue other things. I wish him the best of luck." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA