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In 1994, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted an investigation of the VisionQuest Juvenile Detention Facility in Franklin, Pennsylvania pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq. The Justice Department issued its findings on August 4, 1994, which uncovered several unconstitutional conditions. The DOJ found that VisionQuest staff members subjected juveniles to serious physical and mental abuse, including punching, hitting, headlocks, headbutts, screaming matches, and choking restraints. Juveniles were allegedly forced to stand in the cold as punishment, received inadequate food and educational services, and endured unsanitary and crowded conditions.
The Justice Department instructed VisionQuest to remedy the situation by changing its policies and increasing staff training to prevent physical and mental abuse. VisionQuest was also ordered to provide special educational services to its residents, increase the hygienic protection of the facility, and provide individualized treatment plans to each resident.
We have no further information on steps the city took to address the problems.
Summary Authors
Kristen Sagar (11/25/2007)
Kilberg, William (District of Columbia)
Masling, Mark S. (District of Columbia)
Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 2:39 p.m.
Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.State / Territory: Pennsylvania
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Case Ongoing: No reason to think so
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Department of Justice
Plaintiff Type(s):
U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff
Attorney Organizations:
U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
VisionQuest Juvenile Detention Facility in Franklin, PA, City
VisionQuest Juvenile Detention Facility (Franklin), City
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Unknown
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General:
Food service / nutrition / hydration
Sanitation / living conditions
Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:
Assault/abuse by staff (facilities)
Medical/Mental Health:
Mental health care, unspecified
Type of Facility: