On August 6, 1992, the United States Justice Department issued the findings of its investigation conducted at the Central Alabama Youth Services Facility (CAYS) pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997.
The investigation revealed several ...
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On August 6, 1992, the United States Justice Department issued the findings of its investigation conducted at the Central Alabama Youth Services Facility (CAYS) pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997.
The investigation revealed several conditions at CAYS that amounted to constitutional violations. Disciplinary practices at the facility, including the use of mace and mechanical restraints, violated the juvenile detainees' constitutional rights. Security, sanitation, and fire safety hazards existed throughout the facility. Additionally, juveniles did not have adequate time for exercise, and excessive restrictions on access to telephone use and writing materials failed to meet constitutional standards.
The State of Alabama was advised that each of these conditions needed to be remedied without delay. The Justice Department indicated that it would be following up on the matter in the near future. We have no further information on this investigation or the specific steps taken to remedy the conditions at CAYS.
Emilee Baker - 05/17/2006
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