North Texas group demands reforms in Dallas juvenile justice system
- The Dallas Black Clergy has called for reforms in the Dallas County juvenile justice system following a report confirming inhumane conditions at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center.
- The report revealed issues such as the unjust use of a 'special needs unit' for isolation, frequent confinement of juveniles, and falsification of records by staff.
- In light of these findings, there is a growing demand for accountability and systemic changes within the juvenile department.
A North Texas advocacy group has raised concerns about the conditions within the Dallas County juvenile justice system, particularly at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center. The Dallas Black Clergy highlighted findings from a report by the Office of the Inspector General at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, which confirmed allegations of inhumane treatment, including the excessive use of a 'special needs unit' where juveniles were isolated for extended periods. Additionally, the report noted frequent confinement of residents and instances of staff falsifying records. In response to these serious allegations, Dallas County officials, including County Judge Clay Jenkins, have faced scrutiny. Jenkins has proposed the involvement of a neutral third party to review data related to juvenile activities, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability within the department. This comes after the resignation of Executive Director Darryl Beatty, who faced criticism for his management of the juvenile detention facilities. The leadership of the juvenile department has since transitioned to Interim Director Michael Griffiths, who previously led the department for 15 years. Griffiths is tasked with addressing the challenges and restoring trust in the juvenile justice system, moving away from the contentious practices of his predecessor. The Dallas Black Clergy is actively advocating for reforms, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to protect the rights and well-being of juveniles in the justice system. Their press conference on September 9 aims to further highlight these issues and push for necessary reforms.