77. Juvenile detention centers—the last place where you want your child
In theory, juvenile detention centers are places where kids who have committed felonies are helped with their criminal tendencies and behavioral needs, but we’re hearing more about violence than anything else. These are high need kids. Many have suffered trauma—family members murdered, abuse, neglect. Plus, they’re kids; their brains aren’t fully developed. Adding to the problem, Ohio’s Department of Youth Services can’t fill all the openings it has for correctional officers, behavioral specialists and teachers. The system isn’t working.
Listen to what award-winning journalist Laura Bischoff learned from her investigation.