Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Abuses Found

All Others - June 10, 2023

Watchdog Reports Civil Rights Abuses At Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center In Chicago

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (June 10, 2023) – A new report from a watchdog has allegedly uncovered civil rights abuses taking place at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.

The report comes after a yearlong review of practices at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. Staff at the jail reportedly used dangerous and illegal forms of restraints and isolation.

It was also found that officials failed to keep adequate records. Jail officials have denied the findings of the report and similar reports.

Roughly half of all of the children staying at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center have learning disabilities. Many of them are also minorities.

Liability For Civil Rights Abuses In Jail

Juvenile detention centers can truly be awful places. The children entering these facilities are far more likely to suffer from mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder or PTSD. According to The Sentencing Project, “Systemic or recurring abuses were documented in the state-funded youth correctional facilities of 29 states and the District of Columbia between 2000 and 2015. Since 2015, the stream of abuse revelations in youth incarceration facilities has continued, with alarming revelations of pervasive abuse in Florida, New Hampshire, and Texas, among other states.” There are many steps that can be taken to prevent abuses at juvenile detention facilities.

• There should be adequate oversight of these facilities by investigators.
• Correctional officers should be well trained and adequately supervised.
• All instances of suspected abuse or mistreatment should be thoroughly investigated.

All inmates have a constitutional right to equal protection and due process under the law. Inmates must be given adequate health care. Jails should also be free from excessive force and cruel and unusual forms of punishment. Despite this, children are regularly abused and mistreated at youth detention centers. When the civil rights of children are violated at these institutions, this could form the basis of a civil claim. Civil rights abuses could come in many different forms.

• Correctional officers may put children in illegal restraints.
• Jails may fail to provide children with reasonably adequate health care.
• Jails may hit or beat inmates in instances of excessive force.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any instance of abuse at a youth detention facility. But it is important that inmates understand that they do have rights. Any person that is subjected to civil rights abuses may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sadly, though, jails will often fight hard to deny liability when inmates are mistreated or abused. This is why it is so important that all evidence is properly preserved after any civil rights violation.

Investigating Civil Rights Abuses At Youth Detention Centers

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the children who may have been harmed during their stay at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. Every person deserves fair treatment in custody regardless of what they are charged with. It is our sincere hope that there is greater oversight at this institution for the sake of all the kids staying there.

Have you or someone that you care about been mistreated while staying at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of civil rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.