Understaffed Youth Prisons Are Violating Inmates Rights

When Illinois youth is sentenced to serve in a youth prison, they are entitled and protected by rights given to them by state and federal law. When these rights are abuse or violated, such facilities will be held liable. Specifically because these prisons are dealing with the youth, they are required to give them adequate education, socialization, and medical and mental health support. Recently, there have been reports that Illinois youth prisons are seriously understaffed, thus causing our youth to be neglected of their rights.

In a report by the Chicago Tribune, an expert noted that medical and mental health professionals are seriously understaffed, and “that some youths were being confined for 22 hours a day and that the education programs were “‘grossly inadequate.’”

The state is working on a plan to fix these serious matters and have a limited amount of time to do so.

What are common forms of abuse in facilities like this?

Often, in any facility where there is understaffing, it is more likely for persons to be abused. Abuse in youth based prisons often includes mental abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and even sexual abuse. These actions are against a person’s civil rights and the attorneys at Malman Law do not tolerate such treatment. If you or a loved one believe that you were a victim of abuse, call our office today for a free consultation and to learn about your rights to legal action.