The U.S. Department of Justice has withdrawn its oversight of the state's juvenile detention facilities. Governor Sonny Perdue made the announcement earlier today, more than a decade after a scathing report citing physical abuses and massive overcrowding. But advocates say the reform is not enough.
In 1998, the Department of Justice found what it described as "egregious conditions violating the federal rights of juveniles" locked up by the state, including young people stripped and sometimes left naked for days, physical abuse by staff, overcrowding and inadequate mental health care.
Commissioner Albert Murray took the helm at Department of Juvenile Justice in 2004. Among his priorities … alternatives to incarceration.
However, despite the gains being hailed, juvenile advocates say the Department of Justice pulled out too soon. Rick McDivitt heads the Georgia Alliance for Children.
Budget cutbacks forced the Department of Juvenile Justice to close one its long-term incarceration centers. However, agency officials say the other centers were able to absorb the overflow, making overcrowding a non-issue.
In 1998, the Department of Justice found what it described as "egregious conditions violating the federal rights of juveniles" locked up by the state, including young people stripped and sometimes left naked for days, physical abuse by staff, overcrowding and inadequate mental health care.
Commissioner Albert Murray took the helm at Department of Juvenile Justice in 2004. Among his priorities … alternatives to incarceration.
"There were children being placed in the juvenile facilities on minor offenses who could be dealt with as effectively in the community. So, we made a heavier investment in community programs whereby children were being served outside of juvenile facilities."When the state signed the Department of Justice Memorandum of Agreement in 1998, it promised better training and education for juvenile offenders. Today schools in Georgia's juvenile justice system are accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools.
However, despite the gains being hailed, juvenile advocates say the Department of Justice pulled out too soon. Rick McDivitt heads the Georgia Alliance for Children.
"What they've done is basically cited them in '98 and then saw whether or not they adequately addressed what they were cited for. So, their oversight isn't current as if they reinvestigated. They haven't reinvestigated."All requirements contained in the 1998 Memorandum of Agreement have been met and the U-S Department of Justice has closed its investigation here in Georgia.
Budget cutbacks forced the Department of Juvenile Justice to close one its long-term incarceration centers. However, agency officials say the other centers were able to absorb the overflow, making overcrowding a non-issue.
