A laundry list of problems
A security audit of the state-run Central Arkansas Observation and Assessment Center for juvenile delinquents raises serious concerns about health and safety, …
Juvenile Justice: The War Within
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"Welcome to hell"
LIKE ANY 14-YEAR-OLD, David G. really knew how to irritate adults. As a juvenile in the custody of the state, he was obnoxiously defiant.
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"Welcome to hell": Part II
As Warford attempted to sort out the O&A center, he turned to the center's Policies and Procedures Manual. It did not define specific duties for workers. But t…
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"Welcome to hell": Part III
On April 6, three Democrat-Gazette editors interviewed DHS Director Lee Frazier about a variety of DYS problems, particularly the abuse allegations and managem…
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In a room of killers and thieves, teachers see a ray of hope
HIS FACE is contorted in rage. His body's a dangerous vehicle about to explode. His 6-foot frame looms over the woman. She reaches out slowly and gently touch…
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Terror in lockup: Part I
HIS HANDS are what you notice first when he talks about it. Young, strong hands clenched together, the boy twisting them unconsciously until the skin is red an…
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Terror in lockup: Part II
For Chris, the lessons began at once. He was in a world like no other, a delinquent in the custody of the state.
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Terror in lockup: Part III
In B-4, things were not much easier for Chris. The boys all masturbated into a latex glove and threw it at him. They also hit him with a Bible and shower shoes.
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Lawmaker: Hiring law not followed
Problems in the Arkansas Division of Youth Services stem in part from the agency's failure to obey state law, an angry legislator said Monday.
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Juvenile abuse is scar on NLR, ex-mayor says
Former North Little Rock Mayor William F. "Casey" Laman called Tuesday for the city to do everything in its power to improve conditions at the Central Arkansas…
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Session sought to fix youth services 'crisis'
State Rep. Dennis Young, D-Texarkana, asked Gov. Mike Huckabee to call a special legislative session to address abuse and mismanagement at the state Youth Serv…
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Legislators to hold hearings on abuse of children in state custody
Arkansas legislators will convene inquiries July 9 into abuses of children in the custody of the Youth Services Division.
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Huckabee putting youth unit out of business
Amid allegations of children being abused in state custody, Gov. Mike Huckabee announced Friday that he will close the Youth Services Division's Observation an…
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Youth services director grilled on changes
An angry group of legislators confronted Department of Human Services officials at a Friday meeting of the Joint Legislative Council.
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Ex-NLR jail ending history as lockup for youths; agency to seek other use
State officials said Friday they don't yet know what will become of the Central Arkansas Observation and Assessment Center in North Little Rock after the delin…