August 11, 2024
Texas Juvenile Justice Department officials said Friday they already were implementing changes that address 40 of the 48 recommendations in a scathing U.S. Justice Department report when it came out a week ago.
The report outlines widespread abuse and civil rights violations at the state’s five secure facilities for youth in the criminal justice system, including the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart. The report cites specific instances and patterns of violations including sexual abuse of youth inmates by staff members, excessive use of pepper spray, holding of inmates in isolation for extended periods, failure to provide educational accommodations for youth with disabilities and more.
Texas Juvenile Justice Department Executive Director Shandra Carter told the department’s governing board during a meeting Friday that her department is aiming to work in good faith with the DOJ to make improvements.
Texas youth lockup officials respond to recent DOJ report (wacotrib.com)