Youth detention facilities in Texas continue to face serious issues, including sexual abuse, excessive use of pepper spray, and mistreatment such as prolonged isolation of juveniles, according to a harsh report released by the Justice Department on Thursday. The report accuses the state of violating the constitutional rights of hundreds of juveniles in custody.
This report follows a federal investigation that began three years ago into alleged widespread abuse and harsh practices within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, which houses hundreds of young people annually.
The investigation revealed that staff in the detention centers have engaged in sexual acts with juveniles, isolated some for 17 to 22 hours at a time, and used pepper spray excessively, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristin Clarke said in the report. She also highlighted that about 80% of the children in these facilities are Black or Hispanic, framing the issue as one of racial justice.
“This is a racial justice issue,” Clarke stated. “Our children deserve protection from harm and access to essential services.”
Spokespersons for Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s office and the state juvenile justice department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the governor’s office has previously stated its willingness to cooperate with the federal investigation.
The report also notes that mental health concerns, such as suicidal thoughts and self-harm, were neglected, with children being punished instead of receiving appropriate care. This neglect, the report asserts, violates the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The Justice Department expressed its intention to work with the state to address these violations and mentioned the possibility of filing a federal lawsuit.
In 2021, the Justice Department began investigating Texas’ five juvenile facilities following a complaint from advocates. Texas is not alone in facing federal scrutiny; similar investigations and lawsuits have occurred in Kentucky, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey over harsh conditions in youth detention centers.
Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s Response
In response to the DOJ report, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department issued the following statement:
“At TJJD, we are committed to improving our operations and services for the youth in our care and the communities we serve. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and neglect and unequivocally reject any abusive behaviors at our facilities. Thanks to the support from the 88th Texas Legislature and the Governor’s Office, we have made several significant improvements in staffing, mental health care, and educational programs. We cooperated fully with DOJ investigators during their site visits in 2022, despite facing unprecedented staffing shortages, and appreciate their professionalism throughout this process.”
In recent years, TJJD has implemented the following measures to enhance safety and supervision at its campuses:
– Increased direct care staff salaries by 15% in 2022 and an additional 5% in 2023, resulting in a 30% increase in Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) staffing.
– Hired additional mental health professionals and established enhanced stabilization units to provide more intensive care for youth with significant mental health needs.
– Improved training for JCOs, case managers, and all campus staff.
– Introduced a holistic rehabilitative program incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which has already led to reductions in disruptions and self-harm incidents.
– Strengthened the multi-tiered support system in TJJD schools to better assist youth with behavioral and academic challenges.
