The report comes three years after the department launched a federal investigation into alleged widespread abuse and harsh practices within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, which takes in hundreds of young people every year.
Clarke also noted that about 80% of Texas children in the lockups are Black or Hispanic.
Mental health concerns, such as suicidal ideation and self-harm, were ignored while children were routinely punished for their behavior, according to the federal report.
But it hasn’t been enough.”In 2021, the Justice Department opened an investigation into Texas’ five juvenile facilities after advocates filed a complaint.
Texas is not the only state facing federal investigations by the government, or lawsuits from former incarcerated children over harsh conditions in youth lockups.
Persons:
Kristen Clarke, Clarke, ’ ’, “, Spokespeople, Greg Abbott’s, ideation, Lone, Elizabeth Henneke, Henneke, Clark
Organizations:
Justice Department, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, Staff, ”, Republican Gov, Lone Stare Justice Alliance
Locations:
Texas, “ The Texas, . Texas, Illinois , Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey