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An investigation conducted by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department uncovered shocking practices at the Dr. Jerome McNeil Jr. Detention Center in Dallas. The report found that children at the center were isolated for days, with staff falsifying logs of observation checks and school attendance.

State investigators revealed that juveniles were kept in their sleeping quarters for extended periods, depriving them of proper education, exercise, outdoor recreation, and personal hygiene. The report painted a grim picture of the living conditions within the facility.

The Office of the Inspector General found evidence of falsified documents meant to conceal the mistreatment of children. Investigators uncovered discrepancies in observation logs and uncovered systematic neglect of the residents.

The closure of the Special Needs Unit, where these violations took place, raised questions about the practices and oversight within the juvenile detention system. The report highlighted a pattern of abuse and neglect that went unchecked for far too long.

Repercussions and Actions Taken

Following the investigation, the former Executive Director of the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center resigned amid media scrutiny. The state has closed its investigation, but monitoring will continue to ensure corrective actions are taken.

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