Report Notes Two Decades Of Problems At Juvenile Detention
Facility
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
December 6,
2006
MONTPELIER, VERMONT--Young people with disabilities housed at the
Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center's D-Wing are at serious risk of harm,
according to a report that Vermont Protection and Advocacy issued on Wednesday.
In a 51-page report, subtitled "Time is Running Out", VP & A
revealed "systemic, programmatic and oversight" problems at the 16-bed
short-term stay unit, some of which have been brought up in previous reviews
going back nearly 20 years.
In a year-long investigation, the advocacy group found that, in addition
to problems that impact all D-Wing residents -- such as a lack of necessary air
conditioning, sprinkler systems and cleaning services -- there were "serious
failings" in the ability and willingness of staff and administrators to
accommodate the large number of youth with disabilities who are often held for
weeks and months at a time. Those failings include a lack of adequate
assessment and training of staff on disability-related issues, a lack of
appropriate special education services, and an overuse and under-documentation
of the force staff use on residents, that "unnecessarily deprive them of the
ability to fully participate and benefit from the positive aspects of the
D-Wing program".
The report offered 42 specific recommendations that can be taken by the
Department of Children and Families (DCF), which operates the center. While
some of those recommendations would require immediate action, and others are
more long-term in scope, some advocates have expressed frustration that many of
the problems have not been adequately addressed in the past.
"Every one of these concerns has been mentioned in every report by
independent evaluators and RLU (Residential Licensing Units) since 1988," said
VP & A advocate Linda Kramer. "The political will and leadership at all
levels has been lacking. There are many things we recommend that can be
implemented without additional funds, if there is leadership and willingness on
the part of the staff to do them."
DCF commissioner Steve Dale told the Vermont Guardian that many of the
recommendations are already being implemented, particularly those having to do
with the physical environment, such as air conditioning, sprinkler systems and
grounds maintenance.
Related:
"Report: Juveniles in state facility remain a risk"
(Vermont Guardian)
http://www.vermontguardian.com/local/122006/Woodside.shtml
"Woodside
Juvenile Rehabilitation Center: Detention Unit: Time is Running Out' (Vermont
Protection & Advocacy)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/06/red/1206b.htm
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Reproduced here under special arrangement
with Inclusion Daily Express international disability rights news service.
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