Texas Groups Call For Closure Of Five State Juvenile Lockup Facilities

Four Texas civil rights and youth-justice reform groups have called for the closure of the five remaining lockup facilities run by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, Texans Care for Children, Texas Appleseed, and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition want to see these lockup facilities replaced with community-based treatment and rehabilitation centers.

The call comes following confirmation of sexual abuse of incarcerated teenagers at the Gainesville State School. One male juvenile correctional officer, four female juvenile correctional officers, and a male psychologist were all either sentenced, arrested, investigated, or suspended . . .