Columbia’s Juvenile Justice System Faces Urgent Calls for Reform Amidst Alarming Audit Findings

COLUMBIA: A Call for Change as Juvenile Justice Conditions Persist

As the sun shines brightly over Columbia, bringing a bit of warmth to the chilling temperatures, the atmosphere is anything but cheerful when it comes to the state of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). A recent review has painted a troubling picture of the conditions facing young people in the state’s custody—conditions that many had hoped would improve with time and action.

Audit Raises Alarm Bells

On December 5, a Legislative Audit Council report was released, casting a shadow over the DJJ and revealing that only half of the 101 recommendations from a 2021 audit have been acted upon. The sluggish pace of reforms has caused deep concern among advocates and state officials alike, especially given the earlier investigations prompted by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Despite some improvements, many pressing issues remain unresolved. For example, just over half of the security-related policies that were supposed to be addressed three years ago still haven’t been finalized. Equally alarming is the absence of a mental health training program for staff, which is critical in a setting that should prioritize rehabilitation and support.

Violence and Turmoil

Worrying security challenges also revealed a lack of effective measures to curb the gang-related violence within the facilities. Adolescents in the care of DJJ aren’t just fighting for a better life but are instead confronted with basic safety concerns, such as securing compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

And it doesn’t stop there. The report highlighted a troubling trend: staff turnover among corrections officers is on the rise. Vacancies shot up from 15% in October 2023 to a staggering 39% just a few months later. With rookie officers averaging just three months of tenure, maintaining stability and safety within these facilities seems like an uphill battle.

Voices of Concern

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina has been vocal about the need for significant changes, calling the findings from the audit “disturbing.” The ACLU, which has been actively engaged in a federal civil rights lawsuit against the DJJ since June 2023, emphasizes that children in custody are deprived of a therapeutic and rehabilitative environment. Instead, they are facing circumstances that are anything but humane.

Overflowing Facilities and Unmet Needs

As the DJJ grapples with inmate overflow, the implementation of the 2019 “raise the age” legislation, which expanded juvenile incarceration ages, has added strain to an already beleaguered system. In response to increasing needs, DJJ recently received over $3.3 million to reopen the Greenville facility under state management. Yet, many facilities are still struggling to provide adequate care and programming for the youth they house.

Amidst the chaos, maintenance needs are mounting, with estimates ranging from $140 million to $155 million identified to tackle pressing upgrades and necessary facility modernization over the next decade. This includes critical repairs that have been pushed aside for far too long.

Hope for Progress?

Despite the grim review, there’s a glimmer of hope as state leaders like House Speaker Murrell Smith and Governor Henry McMaster express confidence in the leadership of DJJ Director Eden Hendrick. Smith commended her with a significant pay raise over the summer. Both leaders believe the agency is slowly heading in the right direction, rallying behind the idea that improved leadership can bring about the change needed.

As Columbia awakens under the bright blue sky, the hope remains that this is not just another sunny day with shadows lurking. For the youth in the DJJ’s care, the community and advocates alike are calling out for meaningful reform to ensure that every child has a chance at a brighter, safer future.

For those affected by DJJ policies and conditions, the wait for real and lasting change continues. It is a journey that will take collective effort, commitment, and a genuine desire to do better for the next generation.