Problems continue at Cook juvenile center, report says
Despite recent improvements, the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center still faces staff shortages and does not adequately safeguard children housed there, according to a report by a watchdog group.
The report by the John Howard Assocation is a follow up to a 1998 investigation that helped set off years of court challenges.
The association's current study found new leadership is more adept at handling intake, discipline and behavior management.
"We found reason for optimism," the report said.
However, the new management "has its work cut out for it," the report said. It noted fundamental concerns about the safety of the children in its Aug. 23 inspection of the center at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave. The John Howard Association is an Illinois watchdog group that promotes fair, humane and effective sentencing and correctional policies.
A staff shortage, particularly at the supervisor level, was found to be troubling. "Twelve supervisors serve where there are 18 positions and where optimally there should be 24," said the report. There is a shortfall of 86 staff among nonschool and nonmedical employees who have direct contact with the children.
The report recommends that the staffing shortages be addressed and that there be investigations of any complaints about behavior that alleges injury to center residents.
Top directors at the center did not respond to requests for comment on the report.
The temporary detention center has been the center of controversy for many years. In 1999, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal suit claiming substandard conditions and staff abuse at the resident facility. In 2003 there was a settlement, but in following years, continuing disagreements remained over the lack of progress in meeting the agreement terms between the ACLU and the Cook County Board.
In August, Executive Director Jerry Robinson resigned after a federal grand jury served subpoenas investigating hiring at the center. A second set of subpoenas have been served seeking information about possible abuse of juveniles by center employees.
ACLU spokesman Ed Yonkha said, "We continue to be concerned about improving conditions at the center and continue to work on the process, and welcome everyone who is interested in the same goal to be part of the effort."
The report by the John Howard Assocation is a follow up to a 1998 investigation that helped set off years of court challenges.
The association's current study found new leadership is more adept at handling intake, discipline and behavior management.
"We found reason for optimism," the report said.
However, the new management "has its work cut out for it," the report said. It noted fundamental concerns about the safety of the children in its Aug. 23 inspection of the center at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave. The John Howard Association is an Illinois watchdog group that promotes fair, humane and effective sentencing and correctional policies.
A staff shortage, particularly at the supervisor level, was found to be troubling. "Twelve supervisors serve where there are 18 positions and where optimally there should be 24," said the report. There is a shortfall of 86 staff among nonschool and nonmedical employees who have direct contact with the children.
The report recommends that the staffing shortages be addressed and that there be investigations of any complaints about behavior that alleges injury to center residents.
Top directors at the center did not respond to requests for comment on the report.
The temporary detention center has been the center of controversy for many years. In 1999, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal suit claiming substandard conditions and staff abuse at the resident facility. In 2003 there was a settlement, but in following years, continuing disagreements remained over the lack of progress in meeting the agreement terms between the ACLU and the Cook County Board.
In August, Executive Director Jerry Robinson resigned after a federal grand jury served subpoenas investigating hiring at the center. A second set of subpoenas have been served seeking information about possible abuse of juveniles by center employees.
ACLU spokesman Ed Yonkha said, "We continue to be concerned about improving conditions at the center and continue to work on the process, and welcome everyone who is interested in the same goal to be part of the effort."
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