BASICS IN INDIANA
Civil rights improvements recommended
at prisons for youths
Minimum improvements needed by the Plainfield and
South Bend Juvenile Correctional Facilities and the Logansport Juvenile
Intake/Diagnostic Facility to bring them into compliance with the 1997
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, as identified by the
Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Justice Department in Sept. 9 letters
to Gov. Mitch Daniels:
PLAINFIELD AND SOUTH BEND:
- Ensure that youths are adequately protected from
physical violence from other youths.
- Ensure sufficient, trained staff to safely
supervise the residents at all times.
- Implement a policy that provides clear guidelines
and appropriate limits on the use of force.
- Provide adequate training and supervision to
correctional staff on the use of force and physical restraint.
- Implement a functional and responsive grievance
system.
- Implement adequate, "individualized" education
programs for disabled students and provide the necessary
instructional services, in accordance with the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act.
PLAINFIELD:
- Ensure that youths are adequately protected from
physical violence from staff.
- Ensure that youths are adequately protected from
sexual abuse and exploitation by other youths.
- Provide safe and appropriate housing for youths,
including sex offenders.
LOGANSPORT:
- Provide adequate screening and assessment
services to identify youths with serious mental health needs. At a
minimum, all youths should receive a comprehensive mental health
screening and assessment, either during their stay at Logansport or
immediately after being admitted to an institution.
ALL THREE INSTITUTIONS:
- Provide drugs to treat mental illness as needed.
If the Indiana Department of Correction begins a washout period for
youths who enter the Logansport intake center while already being
treated with such drugs, the DOC should:
a. Conduct an adequate baseline assessment of the
youths.
b. Provide adequate monitoring during the washout period.
c. Provide timely follow-up assessments to determine whether a
return to a drug regimen is warranted.
d. Ensure that treatment with mental health drugs is promptly
resumed when necessary.
http://www2.indystar.com/articles/6/241013-5066-127.html
