Ongoing Challenges Continue to Plague South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Ongoing Challenges at South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Columbia, SC – A recent report published by an independent state oversight agency has shone a light on the serious challenges the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) continues to face. Following a series of troubling audits in previous years, the department seems to be caught in a cycle of setbacks and struggles that threaten the welfare of both staff and the children in their care.

The latest findings, released by the Legislative Audit Council, are unsettling. They follow a 2021 audit that indicated multiple areas of significant concern surrounding the safety and well-being of the juvenile population. Out of the 101 recommendations made in 2021, only a little over half have been put into practice, leaving them in a precarious position as they fight to improve.

What’s Going Wrong?

DJJ is supposed to provide housing and services for juvenile offenders under the age of 18, but they’ve been grappling with a host of issues. The underfunding, overcrowding, and a lack of staff are just the tip of the iceberg. The agency’s situation worsened after the recent Raise the Age law was enacted, which increased the age of juvenile offenders from 17 to 18 without securing additional funding to handle the increased workload.

As State Senator Tameika Isaac Devine commented, “When the state passed raise the age and didn’t secure extra funding, it really put a lot more on DJJ. The agency is at its breaking point.” And indeed, it seems that breaking point is getting closer every day.

Staff Shortages and the Consequences

The data from the audit reveals alarming trends in staffing. Over a short period between October 2023 and February 2024, the vacancies for juvenile corrections officers skyrocketed from 15% to a staggering 39%. To make matters worse, of the 118 officers hired and trained in 2023, an eye-watering 79% had already left by August, averaging a mere three months of employment. This stark turnover has negative repercussions for the children in the system who rely on consistent, caring staff.

Auditors also discovered that many juveniles are missing out on essential medical care because they’re not being transported to receive it. A well-structured transportation plan isn’t in place, and the agency’s policies haven’t seen an update since the previous audit. This gap in care is deeply concerning, especially given that some medical providers have stopped treating inmates due to the agency’s failure to pay bills on time.

Changes in Policies and Procedures

Over the years, several policies have remained in flux, leaving staff and juveniles in a state of uncertainty. As of June 30, DJJ ended its participation in the Performance Based Standards program, a national data collection initiative. Although the agency is in the process of creating its data collection methods, no plan was finalized before ending its relationship with the justice department’s standards.

Even the policies regarding mental health treatments are changing, with 20 policies related to a Justice Department settlement being revised. Of the nine security-related policies that were scrutinized, only five have been finalized, raising alarms about the potential for problems to escalate if they’re not addressed quickly.

Recent Incidents and Public Outcry

DJJ has been embroiled in controversy, with various serious incidents making headlines. Just in 2022, DJJ reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice over claims that it failed to protect children from harm within the facilities. Public concern surged when a 13-year-old girl managed to bring a loaded gun into the Broad River Road Complex, leading to the suspension of staff members. Tragically, the agency faced further scrutiny when a 16-year-old inmate took his own life and reports of excessive use of force emerged.

Senator Devine stated, “We could have a large disaster on our hands if we don’t address these issues.” She has taken steps towards reform by prefiling a bill in the South Carolina Senate aimed at securing funding and alleviating overcrowding problems, particularly for juveniles charged with non-violent offenses.

Looking Forward

Despite these challenges, there have been some improvements noted in the audit. DJJ has spent $7 million installing security cameras across several facilities, and there is a sense that the agency’s new director, Eden Hendricks, is working diligently within the constraints imposed by insufficient funding.

The path to reform is fraught with difficulty, but Senator Devine hopes the upcoming Juvenile Justice Reform Act will garner bipartisan support, which is essential for addressing these pressing issues and ensuring a safer, more supportive environment for juvenile offenders in South Carolina.