HARTFORD — Connecticut’s child welfare agency says it’s taking steps to end or phase out certain restraints used with boys and girls at the state’s juvenile detention facilities.
The Department of Children and Families also announced Monday it will expand clinical staffing to the second shift, when youth are out of school, and require clinical counseling sessions when a youth is in seclusion.
DCF Commissioner Joette Katz said the steps follow a report from a national expert in juvenile justice and mental health.
Last week, Child Advocate Sarah Eagan’s office released an investigation into safety issues at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School for boys and the neighboring Pueblo Unit for girls in Middletown. Both are run by DCF.
The report said current conditions put youth at risk of physical and emotional harm.
