Department of Justice holds outreach meeting as investigation into Kentucky juvenile justice system continues

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (WKYT) – Federal investigators from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) gathered via Zoom on Monday to virtually hear testimony from Kentucky residents.

“These are your children, your grandchildren, your friends, your loved ones,” said Justice Department investigator Sophie Vick. “They are here because you care about them, and so do we.”

The US Department of Justice launched an investigation into the Kentucky State Juvenile Court in May. Previously, the Kentucky juvenile court system had identified a high level of extreme use of violence and serious personnel problems in a performance evaluation published by auditor Allison Ball.

“We have received important information from public reports, families and attorneys that there may be serious problems in these facilities,” said Suraj Kumar, a Justice Department trial attorney.

Her team will examine conditions at all eight of the state’s juvenile correctional facilities, as well as a youth development center in Adair County.

The investigation will examine, among other things, whether the children receive adequate psychological care, how physical and chemical violence is used and how the department implements isolation.

“Locking children up, even for a short period of time, causes real harm,” Vick said.

They point out that this is a civil and not a criminal investigation and that the entire system is being investigated.

“While we care deeply about the fate of each individual child, our work focuses on widespread issues that repeatedly affect children,” said attorney Ashley Light.

Federal officials say they must complete their investigation before any results can be released. Vick acknowledges it will be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process for the public. But they add that public opinion is critical to their ongoing efforts.

“This is obviously a very engaged community,” Vick said. “I appreciate your patience, I appreciate your willingness to be vulnerable with us, and I appreciate any information you share with us.”

If the Justice Department concludes that Kentucky is systematically violating children’s constitutional rights, it will seek to reach an agreement with the state to resolve those issues. So far, it says, the DJJ has cooperated fully with the investigation.

If you have information for investigators in this case, you can email [email protected] or call 888-392-8241.

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