Concerns Rise Over Safety and Health Threats at South Carolina’s Juvenile Justice System

Concerns Rise Over Safety and Health Threats at South Carolina’s Juvenile Justice System

In Columbia, S.C., Thursday night brought troubling news for the youth within the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). An audit released by the Legislative Audit Council (LAC) highlighted significant safety and health risks faced by young individuals currently involved in the system. This has sparked attention among lawmakers who are eager to reform the situation.

Senate Steps In with Reform Efforts

Senator Tameika Devine has stepped up to pre-file a bill known as the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, which aligns with ongoing efforts for betterment initiated by senators before her. “We’re not just talking about policies; we’re here for the kids,” said Devine. It’s quite alarming that after almost a decade has passed since a previous audit pointed out severe issues at DJJ, many of these problems have yet to be addressed.

What’s Wrong at DJJ?

The LAC report is no fluff piece. It underscores specific, pressing concerns including:

• A shortage of security staff, despite ongoing hiring attempts.
• No transportation options available for youth to get to necessary medical appointments.
• Lack of plans in place to make sure essential educational needs are being met.

Devine attributes many of these challenges to overcrowding, which only worsens the existing issues. “What this bill is designed to do is address a lot of the issues that DJJ is experiencing based on the raise the age that the state did years ago,” she explained. This initiative not only aims to tackle the current issues but also hopes to create a more effective and supportive system for the future.

DJJ Responds to the Concerns

In light of these serious claims regarding inadequate medical care and safety risks, DJJ officials were approached for their perspective. A department spokesperson provided a statement affirming that the agency is open about the “challenges influenced by external factors.” Among these challenges are linked to:

• The unfunded raise the age legislation.
• A significant court backlog.
• The closure of two county juvenile detention centers.
• Widespread workforce shortages impacting employers.

Furthermore, the spokesperson touched upon a new mental health facility that is currently under construction to meet the increasing needs of juveniles. However, the facility isn’t expected to be completed until next November.

A Call for Community Interventions

Devine believes that by addressing overcrowding and enhancing community interventions, youth wouldn’t need to enter the DJJ as frequently, allowing staff to focus more on rehabilitating the individuals who are admitted. This idea of reform could lead to a significant shift in how the juvenile justice system operates.

Progress Already Made

Despite the glaring concerns, the DJJ has reported improvements in 68 areas, which include:

• Better employee salaries.
• Effective disciplinary action.
• Enhancing camera surveillance to ensure safety.

With lawmakers set to return to the state house next month, there’s a renewed sense of urgency among them to accelerate these vital reforms. Their main goal? To guarantee that children in DJJ custody are safe and well cared for.

It’s an ongoing struggle, but with dedicated lawmakers like Senator Devine and the community’s backing, there might just be a light at the end of the tunnel for South Carolina’s juvenile justice system.