The Justice Department released a scathing report accusing the Texas Juvenile Justice Department of violating the constitutional rights of youth in custody. The report revealed widespread sexual abuse, excessive use of pepper spray, prolonged isolation in cells, and neglect of mental health concerns. Approximately 80% of youth in Texas lockups are Black or Hispanic, making this a racial justice issue. The state juvenile justice department claimed to have a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse and neglect and was cooperating with federal investigators during their site visit.
The report highlighted that staff in the detention centers engaged in sexual acts with children, isolated some for up to 22 hours in their cells, and pepper sprayed children in their faces. Mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation and self-harm, were routinely ignored while children were punished for their behavior. This neglect of mental health needs was a violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Justice Department expressed its intention to cooperate with the state to address these violations and raised the possibility of a federal lawsuit if necessary.
Advocates have been calling attention to the mistreatment of youth in Texas lockups, with the Lone Star Justice Alliance pointing out that the facilities’ shortcomings exacerbate trauma in young people. The Texas legislature has been urged to respond with urgency and to consider alternative rehabilitation efforts. In 2021, the Justice Department launched an investigation into the state’s five juvenile facilities following a complaint from advocates. Approximately 900 youth are detained in understaffed and outdated facilities across Texas, highlighting structural challenges and a lack of resources at state and local levels.
The governor’s office under Republican Gov. Greg Abbott did not immediately comment on the report. The state juvenile justice department stated that it would cooperate with federal investigators and emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward abuse and neglect. The federal report reiterated the need for better care and support for youth in custody, emphasizing that current practices are failing the youth in the state. There is hope for improvement and collaboration between federal and state authorities to address the violations and ensure the safety and well-being of youth in Texas’s juvenile facilities. Advocates continue to push for systemic changes and increased support for rehabilitation efforts to prevent further mistreatment and trauma experienced by young people in custody.
