A letter detailing incidents of abuse and neglect at juvenile treatment and correctional facilities around the state was sent to the Division of Youth Services last week by Disability Rights Arkansas. The letter outlines several problem areas, such as a lack of therapy and educational services, poor living conditions, inadequate staffing, a lack of transition and discharge planning, and the use of shackling and restraints, and states, “The ongoing daily violations of the rights of the youth committed to these facilities is unacceptable.”
See the letter below, and to read an article from Arkansas Online about the letter, and DYS’s response, click here: Letter says neglect rife at Arkansas youth jails; state acknowledges there’s work to do