From The Sentencing Project:
COVID-19 has infected hundreds of youth housed in and staff working in juvenile facilities. Given the close proximity that defines life in congregate care settings, such as detention centers and residential treatment centers, such spread was inevitable without significant reductions in population in these facilities. Since March, The Sentencing Project has urged the release of as many youth as possible to bend the curve of infections within the juvenile justice system. As of July, four staff members working in these facilities have died from COVID-19.
Among detained youth, COVID-19 cases have been reported in 28 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Cases among staff have been reported in 37 states and the District of Columbia.
Most states and localities have taken steps to limit the spread of the virus, such as reducing visitation from families and counsel and screening staff and visitors for symptoms of the virus. New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, and Texas have either completed or announced plans to test all youth in their state-run facilities. States like Nebraska, Tennessee and Rhode Island have responded to small numbers of cases in specific facilities with widespread testing of youth and staff there. Large numbers of reported infections can reflect more aggressive testing. Continue reading >>>
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