DOJ Report Finds Abuses in Texas Youth Facilities

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has found unconstitutional conditions at all five Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) facilities, including excessive use of force, prolonged isolation, sexual abuse, and discrimination against disabled children. The DOJ's report, which followed a three-year investigation initiated in October 2021, reveals that staff frequently used excessive pepper spray, dangerous restraint techniques, and failed to protect children from sexual abuse. The facilities also neglected to provide adequate mental health and educational services, exacerbating the harm to the roughly 700 youth offenders, 80% of whom are Black or Latino. The DOJ has indicated it will cooperate with state officials to address these violations but has not ruled out legal action if necessary. Texas officials have acknowledged the issues and expressed willingness to make improvements.