S.H. v. Stickrath, Case No. 2:04-cv-1206 (S.D. Ohio)
Originally filed in 2004 on behalf of girls at the Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility, this federal class action civil rights case alleging widespread unconstitutional conditions was expanded in 2007 to include all facilities operated by or under contract with the Ohio Department of Youth Services.The suit alleged system-wide failure regarding conditions of confinement that endangered youth’s health, safety, and well-being and denied them of due process. State and youth attorneys worked collectively to create a comprehensive settlement that was approved by the court in May 2008. The goal is to have a system more equipped to provide youth with treatment and education needs while also promoting public safety. The settlement requires that DYS provide youth individual care, treatment, and rehabilitative services in the least restrictive setting consistent with youth’s needs, documented security concerns and generally accepted professional standards of care. It also includes a long term goal of closing large institutional facilities and creating a system of smaller community based rehabilitative programs.
Cohen Fact Finding Report (Dec. 2007)
Ohio Department of Youth Services Plans Facility Closures, Columbus Dispatch
46-Second Amended Complaint
Order Approving Settlement
Second Annual Monitoring Report by Cohen: Appendices available on requestchildrenslaw@fuse.net
Joint Plan Reforming Release Authority
PRESS RELEASE- New Federal Monitor Appointed to Lead Team
in Ohio Federal Class Action Lawsuit
Injunction Prohibiting Use of Special Force Teams
Motion for Injunction Prohibiting Use of Special Force Teams
Supplemental Motion for Injunction Prohibiting Use of Special Force Teams
Juvenile Defense