Case: CRIPA Investigation-Central Alabama Youth Services

No Court Case | No Court

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Case Summary

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. …

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.

Summary Authors

Emilee Baker (5/17/2006)

People


Attorney for Plaintiff

Dunne, John R. (District of Columbia)

Peabody, Arthur E. Jr. (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

Findings Letter re: Central Alabama Youth Services Detention Facility, Selma, Alabama.

Aug. 21, 1992

Aug. 21, 1992

Findings Letter/Report

Docket

Last updated Aug. 30, 2023, 2:39 p.m.

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Alabama

Case Type(s):

Juvenile Institution

Special Collection(s):

Civil Rights Division Archival Collection

Key Dates

Case Ongoing: No reason to think so

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

United States Department of Justice

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State of Alabama (Selma, Dallas), State

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 1997 et seq.

Special Case Type(s):

Out-of-court

Available Documents:

None of the above

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Unknown

Nature of Relief:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

General:

Disciplinary procedures

Fire safety

Juveniles

Mail

Phone

Recreation / Exercise

Restraints : chemical

Restraints : physical

Sanitation / living conditions

Staff (number, training, qualifications, wages)

Type of Facility:

Government-run