First, we provide an overview of the national landscape when it comes to abuses in youth detention, followed by a specific look at the history of abuses in youth detention facilities in Tulsa County.
The final section combines several sources of public information into a comprehensive timeline of incidents between and regarding the FCJJ and its oversight, including the horrific abuses occurring presently to youth in the facility. This review will show that the FCJJ was consistently out of compliance in its operation of the facility across a wide range of performance standards over the entire four year period.
The inspection reports of OJA found a pattern and practice of confining youth for extensive periods during the day, shortened or non-existent school days, insufficient grievance practices, and repeated incidents of escapes and facility mismanagement. The public deserves to know what is happening in our youth justice system. The youth justice system is a closed system predicated on protecting the records and privacy of the youth involved.
Too often, we see these systems of secrecy weaponized against the very youth they are attempting to protect. We hope this report serves as a valuable resource as we come together as a community and demand better treatment for youth in the justice system.
The documents in question are in the appendix as labeled exhibits. The facility was cited for Areas of Concern including: the facility rules and grievance procedures were not posted publicly, the cold water button was not operational in one of the individual rooms for youth residents - leaving them with access only to hot water, and the intercom was not operational in another individual room. No corrective action plan was required by OJA. OJA Records Exhibit 2, pp.
