The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the conditions of juvenile detention centers across Kentucky, marking a significant federal intervention into allegations of systemic abuse and civil rights violations within the state's juvenile justice system. This move comes after years of reports and a recent state audit highlighting severe issues, including the use of excessive force, isolation practices, and a failure to protect youths from violence and sexual abuse within these facilities. The investigation will cover eight youth detention centers and one youth development center, aiming to uncover the extent of these alleged abuses and the impact on the detained youth.
The decision to launch this investigation was influenced by persistent reporting from local media and a damning audit that corroborated long-standing concerns about the treatment of juveniles in custody. These reports have painted a troubling picture of a system in crisis, where assaults, riots, and escapes are symptomatic of deeper, systemic failures. The federal probe seeks to determine if these conditions have resulted in violations of the constitutional rights of the children housed within these facilities.
The investigation is being conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section, which has the authority to investigate systemic violations of rights within juvenile justice facilities. This federal scrutiny underscores the gravity of the allegations and the importance of ensuring that juvenile detention centers operate within the bounds of… Read more
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U.S. Department of Justice investigating Kentucky juvenile detention conditions
https://kentuckylantern.com/u-s-department-of-justice-investigat…
The Department of Justice launched an investigation into the conditions at eight of the youth detention centers and one development center in Kentucky DJJ.
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DOJ will investigate conditions at Kentucky's troubled juvenile justice department
https://wdrb.com/news/doj-will-investigate-conditions-at-kentuck…
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a statewide investigation into the conditions at eight youth detention centers and a youth development center in Kentucky.
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Department of Justice investigating excessive force, isolation in KY’s juvenile jails
https://yahoo.com/news/kids-state-custody-safe-doj
The Lexington Herald-Leader has reported for years on chronic abuse and neglect of youths in facilities operated by the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice, where assaults, riots and escapes have become a long-standing problem. Earlier this year, a state audit confirmed many of the newspaper’s findings.
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