Challenges Mount for South Carolina’s Juvenile Justice Department Amidst Alarming Audit Findings

Challenges Mount at South Carolina’s Juvenile Justice Department

In the heart of South Carolina, the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is facing serious challenges that leave many scratching their heads. A new report from the Legislative Audit Council has painted a troubling picture of the agency’s struggles to improve following a series of alarming audits. As we dive into the details, it’s evident that this situation is more than just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a pressing concern for the safety and well-being of the state’s youth.

A Troubling Track Record

According to the audit, the woes of the DJJ date back to a 2021 evaluation that laid bare significant failures. These failures haven’t just been swept under the rug; they threaten the lives of both children and staff at facilities across the state. Out of the 101 recommendations made back then, a mere half have been put into action. That’s a sobering statistic for an agency responsible for housing juvenile offenders up to age 18.

The current state of affairs is described as a “breaking point” by State Senator Tameika Isaac Devine. She pointed out a glaring gap: when the state opted to raise the age at which offenders could be tried as juveniles—from 17 to 18—there was no additional funding to support this monumental shift. This oversight has left the agency scrambling to keep up with increased demands.

Vacancies and Lack of Resources

What’s worse is the alarming rate at which juvenile corrections staff are leaving their posts. The report reveals that the vacancy rate for officers skyrocketed from 15% to a staggering 39% in just a few months. To make matters worse, out of 118 officers hired and trained, a whopping 79% had departed by August of this year, averaging just three months on the job!

But wait, there’s more! Staff have reported that juveniles are not receiving essential medical care, with some not even being transported for necessary treatment outside of the facility due to a lack of proper planning. It’s hard to believe that the agency has not updated its transportation policies since the 2021 report.

Bills Going Unpaid

Compounding these issues is the agency’s apparent struggle to pay its bills on time. The 2021 audit revealed this problem, and unfortunately, it persists. Some medical providers have pulled back on treatment for juveniles because of the DJJ’s tardy payments. So, we’re left wondering how many more vulnerable youths might suffer because of lack of care.

Policy Overhaul and Uncertain Future

As if all that were not enough, the DJJ is also in the process of revising its policies, particularly regarding mental health treatment and the use of force among other critical issues. There’s a real fear that without swift actions, the agency could face a potentially catastrophic event. Senator Devine emphasized this point, saying, “We could have a large disaster on our hands if we don’t address these issues.”

Some Positive Strides

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The audit did acknowledge some positive changes, including a hefty $7 million investment in new surveillance cameras across several facilities. Director Eden Hendricks is doing everything possible to navigate these murky waters, but the chronic underfunding continues to limit their effectiveness.

In a bid to shake things up, Senator Devine has proposed the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, which she hopes will garner bipartisan support. The aim? To address many of the DJJ’s systemic issues and reduce overcrowding by lowering the number of juveniles incarcerated for non-violent offenses like truancy.

The Bottom Line

As the audit reminds us, the journey toward reform is often laden with challenges, but change is possible. Keeping at-risk kids safe and providing them with the necessary support is a collective responsibility. Whether the DJJ can pull through this rough patch remains to be seen, but the glaring issues demand our immediate attention.

It’s clear that South Carolina must step up to the plate if we hope to provide a brighter future for the youth in its justice system. It’s about time someone took action!