ICYMI: The USA Today Network released a 12-page special investigation report in the Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, and Canton Repository about Ohio’s juvenile prisons and detention facilities. Kids Behind Bars: Chaos, violence and neglect plague youth prisons and detention centers. Children’s Law Center provided expertise and was consulted throughout the development of the media project. In fact, CLC was mentioned in 3 of the 8 articles in the USA Today report, including several quotes from our Senior Policy Attorney, Leah Winsberg (i.e., What are possible solutions to juvenile prison crisis in Ohio?; Ohio's youth prison, detention centers struggle with injuries, neglect; Ohio law mandates some kids move into a prison system built for adults).
On November 29, 2023, The Columbus Dispatch published a series of Letters to the Editors, addressing the composition of a task force created by Gov. Mike DeWine to address the issues identified through the media project. Both Winsberg and CLC’s Executive Director, Sasha Naiman, contributed with a Letter to the Editor from CLC. To read the whole article, click here. CLC’s contribution is included below.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced a major step in the right direction for juvenile justice in Ohio: a special workgroup tasked with conducting a “thorough, holistic review” to improve youth prisons and county detention centers. This decision comes in response to system-wide juvenile justice failures reported by The Columbus Dispatch, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, Canton Repository and other USA TODAY Network Ohio newsrooms.
The workgroup will be responsible for issuing recommendations on “youth safety, education, reentry support, and health and mental health services” as well as “staffing levels and staff safety, training, recruitment, and retention” in the facilities. The composition of the workgroup should likewise include members who specialize in these areas. To craft lasting solutions, the leadership must consist of a diverse and interdisciplinary team with expertise in behavioral health, education access, community-based alternatives to prison, reentry, and enforcement of youths’ rights.
DYS was praised a decade ago for implementing a Legal Assistance Program with the Ohio Public Defender’s Office to protect youths’ rights within DYS facilities. The OPD’s perspective is especially critical to addressing core issues raised by the recent 8-month investigation. Likewise, the workgroup would benefit from voices of people who experienced incarceration as youths.
With this exciting step forward, Ohioans deserve diverse, specialized representatives at the table—because our state is serious about solving the problems plaguing youth prisons and detention centers.
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CLC is thrilled that, since the time of submission, additional members have been added to the task force, including: a person with lived experience; a mental health professional; and an expert in community-based programs.