DCS, Tennessee Department Of Education Named In Lawsuit For Abuse, Lack Of Care Of Kids In State Custody

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –

A 114-page lawsuit has been filed in a federal court this week from three Tennessee families, “alleging unconstitutional mistreatment and ‘barbaric violence’ faced by young people with disabilities in juvenile detention centers” according to recent reports. 

In the suit, the families allege that in multiple instances children in state care were subjected to what are being characterized as “violent assaults” by the staff and faculty of facilities run and operated by the state. 

The suit also accuses other residents as those who took part in the abuse. 

One of the worst instances described indicated that multiple staff allegedly pepper sprayed a shackled boy who was then blocked from seeking medical care for 12 hours.

Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds is named alongside Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Commissioner Margie Quin.  Reynolds is named in the suit because the suit argues that the state failed to provide even the most basic supports for those children in state care, which includes an education. 

Reports indicate that at least one child was held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, not being given access to a regular classroom education, but rather, homework packets were slid under the child’s door. 

“All children deserve appropriate education and healthcare. All children deserve to feel safe,” Jasmine Miller, an attorney on the case from the Youth Law Center, said in a news release.

Miller continued, “Across the country, we are seeing real progress in juvenile justice reform and how the most vulnerable youth are treated once they enter the system. Unfortunately, Tennessee is not progressing.”

The primary issue seems to be that when the state does their intake for the children in their custody, there is a failure to properly screen the children for any disabilities. When problematic behavior occurs the children are punished rather than being accommodated for their disability.

Reports indicate that Disability Rights Tennessee filed the class action suit Wednesday in federal court. 

Some of the severest punishments the children were subjected to were solitary confinement, pepper spraying children while naked, having other kids beat one child and shackling and dragging a child across the floor.

The reports do not indicate how the children came to be in DCS custody or if the children were ever in custody due to a criminal justice matter. 

The disabilities of the children range from depression, PTSD, ADHD anxiety disorder, as well as low IQ (63) and lack of verbal communication abilities. Additionally, one of the children has disruptive mood disorder, PTSD, major depressive disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. 

The plaintiffs are seeking compliance by DCS with federal law to take care of kids with disabilities. In addition, they seek repayment of attorney’s fees, and any other awards the court deems appropriate. 

About the Author: Kelly Jackson is an escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers, she has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member.  An outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty, Kelly also has a YouTube channel @Tennessee_Truth_Teller and is planning on expanding out to other channels soon. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.