Struggles at South Carolina’s Department of Juvenile Justice Continue Amid Staff Shortages and Unaddressed Reforms

COLUMBIA: Struggles at the Department of Juvenile Justice Persist

Sunny skies and calm temperatures are bringing a brief pause in the bustling activities of Columbia on this fine December day, with highs reaching around 55°F and a whisper of wind from the north-northwest. But behind this idyllic weather lies a troubling story about the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) that has many concerned.

Audit Reveals Continued Challenges

The woes at the DJJ are certainly not new, but they have been laid bare once again thanks to a recent audit. According to a report released on December 5 by the Legislative Audit Council, only a little over half of the 101 recommendations made by regulators back in 2021 have been acted upon. This comes as a disappointment as the state had hoped to see significant reforms following a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the DJJ and its treatment of juvenile offenders.

Despite some progress, the situation has remained largely unchanged. The report reveals that just five out of nine critical security policies proposed three years ago have been finalized. To add insult to injury, there’s still no proper mental health training program in place for staff, and measures to address gang-related violence are barely scraping the surface.

Deepening Concerns

It gets worse. The audit explained that essential compliances—like the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act—are only partially met, while the staffing crisis continues to spiral. Reports indicate that the vacancy rate for corrections officers has skyrocketed from 15% in October 2023 to a staggering 39% just four months later. On top of that, the average tenure of officers is a mere three months.

This staffing crisis couldn’t come at a worse time, as the agency is grappling with decisions on how to adequately house an increasing number of juvenile offenders. The 2019 “raise the age” legislation extended the upper limit for juvenile offenders from 16 to 17, significantly complicating matters.

Voices of Concern

Unsurprisingly, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has voiced its concerns, calling the findings of the audit “disturbing.” Allen Chaney, the legal director for the ACLU of South Carolina, stressed that this audit confirms what many already suspect: children locked up in DJJ facilities are facing not just challenging but “devastating, dangerous, and inhumane conditions.” He further emphasized that instead of receiving therapeutic support, many are left feeling isolated and victimized within the system.

In light of these revelations, efforts to offer training focused on de-escalating tense situations have been met with a lack of required follow-through, raising further questions about the agency’s commitment to reform and the safety of both staff and juveniles alike.

Attempts at Improvement

Despite daunting issues, some progress is being recognized. State leaders believe the agency is making strides, albeit slowly. DJJ Director Eden Hendrick, who recently received a raise for her leadership, has been tasked with steering the agency through these turbulent waters. Officials like House Speaker Murrell Smith have spoken positively about her efforts, highlighting an overall aim for improvements.

However, there’s a harsh reality: plans for necessary capital improvements at the DJJ facilities run into the range of $140 million to $155 million. The funding for deferred maintenance and modernization appears to be out of reach, given the ongoing financial challenges.

Looking Ahead

As Columbia basks in the sunlight of a winter day, the shadows of the DJJ’s troubled past loom large. The need for urgent reform is painfully apparent, while the challenges of overcrowding and understaffing continue to plague the agency. Whether state officials can finally bring about those long-awaited changes remains to be seen.

As this situation develops, residents are left hoping that the future holds a safer and more nurturing environment for the youth in the justice system.