A class action lawsuit has been filed against the State of Tennessee over the treatment of disabled children in juvenile detention centers. Disability Rights Tennessee, Sanford Heisler Sharp, and the Youth Law Center are challenging illegal and unconstitutional conditions in the state’s juvenile justice facilities. The complaint alleges that children with disabilities are being warehoused in prison-like facilities, subjected to violence and abuse, and denied adequate education. The State is accused of failing to screen youth for disabilities, provide reasonable accommodations, or offer appropriate treatment. As a result, the plaintiffs, two John Does and one Jane Doe, have suffered significant harm while in state custody. The lawsuit asserts violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution.
Legal Director Jack Derryberry of DRT emphasized the importance of recognizing disabilities and trauma in the youth served by the State and providing a safe environment for them. Despite efforts to effect change in the system over the past two years, the lack of progress has led to legal intervention to protect vulnerable children in custody. The lawsuit seeks to hold the State accountable for its treatment of disabled children and ensure that they receive the support and resources they need. This case highlights the urgent need for reform in Tennessee’s juvenile justice system to prioritize the well-being and rights of all young people, especially those with disabilities.
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