OLYMPIA – John Clayton has been promoted to permanent DSHS assistant secretary for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA).

Clayton had been interim assistant secretary since April 23.

DSHS Secretary Robin Arnold-Williams said Clayton has the leadership skills to continue high quality service to JRA's juvenile offenders, their families, the juvenile justice system and communities.

Under Clayton's leadership, JRA will continue to fully implement evidence-based treatment and will continue to address the disproportional impact on youth of color within the system.

Clayton said he has a simple philosophy that he brings to the job: be bold, never fail to act, keep your promises, and make a difference.

JRA operates facilities and programs that serve 1,600 youth on an annual budget of $105 million, with 1,150 employees.

Clayton came to JRA from the DSHS Economic Services Administration where he directed the Community Services Division. Prior to that, he was director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.