From CT News Junkie:
The state Department of Correction has agreed to substantially change its disciplinary and educational practices for children incarcerated at the Manson Youth Institution in Cheshire – particularly its use of disciplinary isolation – in a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice that was announced last week.
Under the settlement, the DOC has agreed to eliminate disciplinary isolation for all but the most serious offenses involving violence against other children or staff members. Staff will be required to consult with mental health professionals during the child’s isolation to determine whether mental health interventions are needed, and to ensure that any child in isolation continues to have access to personal items, educational, religious, and mental health services, and other programs to address the child’s behavior.
“We know that isolation can cause real harm to children – increasing risk of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide – because their brains are still developing and they lack adequate coping mechanisms,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Placing a child in an ‘adult facility’ does not make children any less vulnerable to these risks. Nationally, more than 2,000 children each year are held in jails and prisons designed for adults.” Continue reading >>>
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