JUDICIAL BRANCH
COURT SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
OPERATIONS - Northwest Region
2275 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Telephone: 860-563-7057 Fax: 860-721-6514
MEMORANDUM
TO: Judge Robert C. Leuba, Chief Court Administrator
FROM: William H. Carbone, Executive Director
DATE: September 16, 1999
SUBJECT: Biweekly Progress Report / Juvenile Detention Services
For your information, I am enclosing an up-to-date Chronology and Juvenile Detention Progress Report. I will continue to send you a biweekly report of our efforts to improve Juvenile Detention Services.
JUVENILE DETENTION PROGRESS REPORT
ACTION 1: On February 4, 1999, DCF Received Anonymous Complaint And Allegations Concerning Abuse And Neglect of Detainees At The New Haven Detention Center.
Reported June 23, 1999:
On February 24, 1999, DCF notified the Judicial Branch that they were conducting an investigation regarding allegations of abuse at the New Haven Detention Center.
On February 26, 1999, Judicial informs State’s Attorney Michael Dearington of the investigation; Mr. Dearington contacts the State Police.
In concert with DCF, Judicial implements a safety plan at the Detention Center requiring an employee of a high supervisory level to monitor the center’s operations from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
On April 29, 1999, New Haven Detention Center Supervisor is reassigned; Leo Arnone, Supervisor of Hartford Detention, is assigned to New Haven effective May 4, 1999.
ACTION 2: On June 2, 1999, DCF Delivers Special Investigation Unit Report To Judicial, Charging 19 Employees With Physical Abuse and Neglect.
Reported June 23, 1999:
On June 2, 1999, Judicial contacted State’s Attorney Michael Dearington and forwarded the DCF Report.
On June 7, 1999, Judicial requests and receives agreement from the Office of The Child Advocate to serve as monitor at the New Haven Detention Center site.
On June 8, 1999, Judicial places 8 employees (charged with physical abuse) on suspension pending completion of an internal investigation. Nine others (charged with physical neglect) also subject to internal investigation. Two employees resigned.
ACTION 3: Investigate All Allegations Contained In The DCF Report.
Reported June 23, 1999:
After numerous meetings with CSSD staff and discussions with Judicial staff, a 10 step investigation process has been developed. More than 75 interviews will be conducted starting next week.
Reported July 19, 1999
An employee (suspended for physical abuse on June 7, 1999) was terminated on July 19, 1999, for failure to successfully complete the probationary period for attainment of permanent status.
Reported July 30, 1999:
Attorney Glenn Coe continues to investigate the allegations in the DCF report.
ACTION 4: Conduct A Review Of All Detention Supervisory And Direct Care Staff Job Descriptions.
Reported June 23, 1999:
A work group has been established to review job descriptions to include duties and qualifications. A comparison with other states will be conducted.
Reported July 19, 1999:
The review of job descriptions has been completed. A new job series was defined: Juvenile Detention Services Officer Trainee, Juvenile Detention Services Officer I, and Juvenile Detention Services Officer II. This job series parallels Probation Officers, Family Service Officers, and Juvenile Probation Officers in that a BA is a minimum requirement and a career development ladder is included. Human Resources is presently evaluating the appropriate salary ranges for the new positions.
The new job descriptions will be further reviewed by the team of experts, coming at our request, from the U.S. Department of Justice in September 1999.
Reported July 30, 1999:
The Objective Job Evaluation process has begun for the new job series as outlined above.
ACTION 5: Enhance The Direct Supervision Of Detention Line Staff.
Reported June 23, 1999:
The need to have highly qualified front line supervisors that are not members of the same union as their staff has been a long standing concern. By utilizing the present "Assistant Supervisor" classification, which is an excluded position, a new supervisor deployment proposal is being developed.
Reported July 19, 1999:
An interim staff enhancement plan has been completed. It is intended to ensure adequate supervisory, social work, and detention staff on all shifts. It requires 48 new employees; the filling of 18 vacancies in Juvenile Detention and the creation of 30 new positions.
We have proceeded to advertise for the filling of these positions including Assistant Supervisor, the excluded position that will now be represented on all three shifts. Final closing date is August 16, 1999.
Reported August 20, 1999
Advertising for detention staff has ended. The closing date for applications has expired and interviewing will begin during September and October. The posting for Classification and Program Officers has been extended two weeks.
A new acting Shift Supervisor has been assigned to the 4pm to midnight shift, replacing a supervisor under suspension. This move will provide support to the present shift supervisor and additional supervision to staff.
NEW:
Resumes are being reviewed for a Center Supervisor in the New Haven Detention Center. Interviews are scheduled to begin the week of September 13, 1999.
ACTION 6: Improve Employee Screening And Selection Procedures For Juvenile Detention.
Reported June 23, 1999:
Recently the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) completed a study on screening for persons working with children. We will be making a request to Shay Bilchik, the Administrator of OJJDP, to provide us with technical assistance in redesigning our present screening and selection procedures.
Reported July 19, 1999:
Effective July 6, 1999, the DCF Child Abuse Registry has been added to our screening process for prospective hires for all Juvenile Detention positions. This is in addition to the physical exam which includes a drug screen and a criminal history record check.
We intend to review our screening process with the experts coming in at our request from the U. S. Department of Justice in September. It would be important to point out that the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, a bureau of the federal Justice Department, has recently completed a study on this subject.
Reported August 20, 1999
We are exploring University and College level programs that specialize in the education and training of detention personnel. At the National Juvenile Detention Association’s Center for Research and Professional Development at Michigan State University, there exists a certification program designed for juvenile detention line staff. Additional program information is in transit, as we continue to seek out specialized programs of this nature.
Dr. David Roush from Michigan State University will begin a review of hiring standards and practices during his visit to Connecticut on August 30 and 31, 1999.
NEW:
Dr. David Roush from Michigan State University met with officials regarding hiring practices and personnel issues for detention staff, including the use of the Department of Children and Families’ database for the screening of prospective employees.
Dr. Roush will be sending detention staff certification information, developed by the National Center for Juvenile Detention, to CSSD upon his return to Michigan.
ACTION 7: Conduct Additional Targeted Training For Detention Staff In New Haven.
Reported June 23, 1999:
We met with representatives from Educational Training Programs Incorporated (ETP) to discuss immediate training needs for the New Haven staff. They will be visiting the Center next week to begin to determine the training content. It is anticipated that during the months of July and August, all New Haven staff will receive a minimum of two days of training on techniques for managing youth with emotional or cognitive disabilities.
Reported July 19, 1999:
At our request, ETP has developed a training course outline designed to meet the needs of the New Haven Detention Center. Topics include: From Policies to Reality, Communication with Conflict Resolution, and Developmental Stages of Juveniles. Staff training will begin the week of July 26, 1999 and will continue for two weeks.
At our request, Lindsay Hayes, Project Director of the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives, will conduct a review of our suicide prevention policy and training on September 8 and 9, 1999. Subsequent to this visit, on site training will be scheduled.
We have completed a review of existing mental health services contracts, which include the requirement that they train other Detention staff who deals with juveniles with mental health problems.
At our request, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Strategic Leadership Center offered assistance in training. DAS will partner with Trevor Johnson, Training Coordinator, CSSD, in identifying needs and resources.
Reported July 30, 1999:
Education and Training Program (ETP) special training sessions for staff at the New Haven Juvenile Detention Center began Tuesday, July 27, 1999 and will continue for 6 weeks. Topics include; (1) From Policy to Practice, (2) Communication and Conflict Resolution, and (3) Developmental Stages of Juveniles.
All New Haven Detention Center employees have completed a policy and procedure review program with Interim Supervisor, Leo Arnone.
Reported August 20, 1999
ETP continues to facilitate special training sessions for staff at the New Haven Detention Center. All staff have completed two of the three special sessions.
NEW:
ETP completed special training sessions for line staff at the New Haven Detention Center on Monday, August 30, 1999. All line staff participated and completed the three special sessions.
ACTION 8: Complete This Years In-Service Training Program For All Detention Staff.
Reported June 23, 1999:
Presently all juvenile detention staff are completing their yearly 40 hours of mandatory training. This training which began in April includes medication administration and refresher training on suicide prevention which were areas of concern in the DCF report.
Reported July 19, 1999:
In-service training continues at the New Haven Detention Center and will continue to run concurrently with the ETP special training.
Reported July 30, 1999:
In-service training in New Haven was completed on Friday, July 23, 1999.
ACTION 9: Improve Detention Living Conditions And Increase Available Space.
Reported June 23, 1999:
The first meeting with the architects to design and construct the new Hartford Detention Center was held this week. The importance of this project to the Branch was emphasized and an aggressive schedule for its completion is being developed.
In Bridgeport, as an interim step, we have met and are pursuing the potential conversion of the present Juvenile Court (Clerk Office, Courtroom) to Detention support space.
Various state and local agencies will be contacted to identify potential space that might be suitable for use as a detention center.
The Judicial Branch awards a contract to upgrade the heating and air conditioning system at the New Haven Detention Center; expected to be completed in September 1999.
Since many physical and programmatic enhancements needed at state detention centers are presently unbudgeted, a search has been initiated to identify new sources of funds to support the cost of these improvements; this includes federal and state possibilities.
Reported July 19, 1999:
A package in excess of $4,500,000 is being prepared to secure bonding for facility improvements at all three detention sites and GA 2 in Bridgeport, to where the Juvenile Court offices would be relocated. Funding includes the purchase of a site for the new Bridgeport Detention Center; contracting for immediate work to be done in the New Haven Detention Center on the HVAC system (heating ventilation air conditioning system); the cost of enclosing a portion of the outdoor recreation area in New Haven, as well as the cost of furniture, paint, carpentry, and flooring.
We have reviewed options for girls’ secure detention and are proceeding to develop girls’ beds in secure physical facilities. Ten girl’s beds have opened in Hamden; ten beds in will open in Norwalk next week; and ten beds will be available in Hartford in October 1999. Fourteen additional beds can be purchased and, at our request, OPM is evaluating the financial feasibility. This would allow more space for boys and more program space at detention centers and better intervention strategies for each of the sexes separately.
Judge Leuba has written to the heads of several state agencies requesting assistance in locating space for new secure detention centers. The CT National Guard responded with a suggestion that will be further explored.
Reported July 30, 1999:
OPM has approved funding for 10 additional girls beds in Hartford as of October 15, 1999 and as soon as practicable, 4 beds will open in Hamden. Community Solutions, Inc. has completed their training and have opened 10 beds in Norwalk. The additions will bring the number of secure juvenile girls beds to 44, and the cost annualizes out at $1.2 million. We will review policy and practice so that girls can be managed in secure, non-state facilities.
A comprehensive checklist of basic supply needs for juveniles was developed and forwarded to each facility. Supervisors where given time to complete the checklist and returned it to CSSD last week. The results suggest adequate quantities of basic supplies, including; blankets, toothbrushes, socks, deodorant, feminine napkins, bras, and girls and boys underwear, and coats.
Significant work has been completed to develop program specifications for the new Bridgeport facility. Both new facilities in Hartford and Bridgeport are in the design phase and are scheduled to be ready for bid in January, 2000. We continue to work in Bridgeport to facilitate the relocation of Juvenile Court and the expansion of recreation space at the Bridgeport Detention Center. The move involves finding space for 30 staff for the support enforcement division.
NEW:
The Bond Commission approved the $2,500,000 package for facility improvements at all three centers.
ACTION 10: Compare Connecticut’s Detention Program With Recognized National Standards And Other States.
Reported June 23, 1999:
Utilizing the American Corrections Association’s National Juvenile Detention Standards, along with the detention operation recommendations from OJJDP’s detention Conditions Of Confinement Study, we will be conducting a comparative analysis with our detention centers.
Reported July 19, 1999:
Review continues on various juvenile justice standards that have been published. Contacts have been made with benchmark programs from which we are seeking advice and counsel. Contacts include: Dr. David Roush of Michigan State University; Dr. Alan Tezak of Juvenile Detention Centers’ Association of Pennsylvania; New York City Juvenile Detention Centers; Federal Monitor Don DeVore; Dr. Donald Cohen, Director of the Yale Child Study Center; and, Dr. Steve Marans, Director for the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence. A visit is planned to the new New York City Juvenile Detention Center in the Bronx on Friday, July 23, 1999.
The results of the Standards Review and national search will be included in the September 17, 1999, Comprehensive Report.
Reported July 30, 1999:
The Office of Policy and Management forwarded our request for technical assistance to OJJDP. We requested Dr. David Roush to provide recommendations on safe hiring practices and training, to compare Connecticut Juvenile Detention Centers standards and practices with ACA standards, and review other programming.
Through the National Center for Juvenile Justice, Joseph K. Mullen was identified and recommended for evaluating training programs for staff of juvenile detention centers. we have requested his assistance in our request for technical assistance to the OJJDP.
CSSD staff met with Sarina Roffé of the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice, Office of Public Affairs on July 23, 1999. We toured the new juvenile detention facility in the Bronx and met with Stephanie Prussack, Director of Horizons Juvenile Detention Center.
Reported August 20, 1999
We have gathered preliminary information regarding hiring practices, standards, and pay scales for Juvenile Detention Officers from Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and California. Based on the information available to date, Connecticut’s minimum qualification requirements either parallel or surpass those of other states surveyed. Connecticut Juvenile Detention Officers perform similar job functions as detention officers in the states listed, and they receive higher pay. A letter will be sent to 25 Juvenile Detention Centers this week requesting information about hiring practices and salaries for further comparison.
Dr. David Roush of Michigan State University will begin comparing CT’s standards with ACA standards, beginning August 30, 1999. His two-day visit will include tours of state run juvenile detention centers as well as private detention centers, and meetings with administrative staff.
NEW:
During his two-day visit to Connecticut, Dr. David Roush toured the New Haven and Hartford Detention Centers and met with administrative staff. He stated that there are a lot of talented people working to improve juvenile detention in Connecticut. Dr. Roush will prepare a proposal for OJJDP to provide consultation to Connecticut, with specific reference to best practices, standards, and safe hiring.
ACTION 11: Increase Independent Monitoring At The New Haven Detention Center.
Reported June 23, 1999:
In addition to the monitoring that the federal court has been doing in accordance with the Consent Judgment, we have contracted with the state Child Advocate to provide 25 hours a week of on sight monitoring at the New Haven Detention Center. A monitor has been selected and will start June 21, 1999.
Reported July 19, 1999:
At our request, Mr. Tom Moriarty, hired as the Independent Monitor by the Office of the Child Advocate, has been on site at the New Haven Detention Center since June 21, 1999. In his first report, covering June 28 – July 4, he indicated, "I observed no behaviors that I would consider verbally or physically abusive."
At his suggestion, we will record in the detainee discipline log the actual time a child is released from room confinement.
The monitor points out some deficiencies in the area of medicine administration. We are investigating the cost and feasibility of contracting out all medicine administration. This report will be ready at the end of July.
Mr. Moriarty commented that DCF should be asked to provide training with respect to the mandated reporter law and a letter has been sent to Commissioner Kristin Ragaglia requesting the above.
ACTION 12: Establish A Committee To Address Detention Overcrowding.
Reported June 23, 1999:
The committee members have been appointed and the Attorney Generals Office is in the process of modifying the Consent Judgment to include the facilitation of this committee
by the federal court monitor Don DeVore. A committee work plan has been developed and the first meeting is planned for early next month.Reported July 19, 1999:
The first meeting of the Juvenile Detention Overcrowding Committee, chaired by Judge Ronan, met July 15, 1999. Representatives from the Chief Court Administrator’s office, the Office of the State’s Attorney, the Office of the Public Defender, the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief Juvenile Judge, other juvenile judges, members of CSSD, the Federal Monitor, DCF, and OPM were present. Additional members will to be invited are two members of the Legislature, and the State Department of Education.
At the first meeting, a presentation was made by Tom White, Director of CSSD Operations, who reviewed facilities, juvenile profile statistics, current programs and services. Don DeVore reviewed his involvement with the State of Connecticut and the terms and conditions of the Court Consent Decree. The next meeting agenda includes presentations from Don DeVore on the use and purpose of Juvenile Detention; national initiatives to reduce detention crowding; risk assessment as a guide to placement in detention; case processing to improve efficiency; and, implementation and monitoring recommendations. Bill Carbone will present alternatives to placement in detention. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, 1999.
NEW:
The Juvenile Detention Overcrowding Committee met last week. The meeting was addressed by Dr. Bart Lubal of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, who reviewed the experiences of four Annie E. Casey funded sites that addressed juveniles in detention. He shared the systemic changes that each jurisdiction made to decrease the length of stay in detention, including more appropriate admissions to detention, and more appropriate use of detention beds.
ACTION 13: Enhance Medical and Mental Health Services:
Reported July 19, 1999:
We have consulted Dr. Walter Anyan, head of Adolescent Medicine at Yale and Dr. Donald Cohen, Director of Yale Child Study Center who provide and supervise medical and psychiatric services at New Haven Detention Center. Each is prepared to offer increased hours in the short run and is reviewing longer-term systemic changes. We expect to receive a proposal from Yale Child Study Center within the next two weeks, which will allow Yale Child Study Center to provide medication to detainees three times per day, seven days per week.
All providers of mental health services at the detention centers have been contacted; budgets have been requested to increase the service they provide at each site.
Reported July 30, 1999:
Arrangements have been made to increase psychiatric care in the New Haven and Bridgeport facilities to begin immediately. Similar arrangements will be made in Hartford upon the psychiatrist’s return from vacation.
Mr. Tom Moriarty, hired as the Independent Monitor by the Office of the Child Advocate, has recommended that contracts with mental health providers be enhanced to include creative approaches to therapeutic group sessions and similar therapeutic interventions. He strongly recommends offering services in evening hours, preferably 4pm to 10pm. We are moving to implement this.
In response to our inquiry, Yale Child Study Center and the Yale Psychiatric Institute each submitted a proposal this week to enhance contracted services to the New Haven Juvenile Detention Center in the long term. As suggested by Mr. Moriarty, services proposed include group therapy and therapeutic interventions for detainees during evening hours. Enhanced training is proposed to prepare detention staff to work more effectively together and with outside consultants in maintaining order and safety; decreasing negative psychological effects on children while detained, and providing options for responding to the mental health needs of detainees. Both proposals will be further reviewed by September, 1999.
We continue to work with Dr. Walter Anyan, head of Adolescent Medicine at Yale, who is developing a model for outsourcing medication dissemination. Upon completion, we will be meeting with Bridgeport and Hartford to propose this as a model. We are planning implementation in all three centers as of September 1, 1999.
Reported August 20, 1999
We met with the University of Connecticut Health Center in regard to coordinated mental health and medical service delivery for juveniles in detention. We have requested alternate service delivery models and anticipate a response by September 1, 1999.
Contracted medical and mental health services have been expanded to include the following:
Current Practice
3 hours/ day, 3 days/ week.9 hours per week of medical staff on site.
Psychiatrist on-site 3 hours per week.
Master’s level clinician on site
Basic health and mental health screening training.
Medication dissemination monitored by medical and detention supervisory staff.
Detention staff provide HIV education. Medical staff provide counseling, testing and HIV management.
Intake form completed upon entry into the facility.
When necessary, youth are evaluated after use of force.
All staff are CPR & First Aid certified, first aid kits available, and CPR mouth shields available.
All staff are trained in administering medication.
Expanded
20 hours per week of medical staff on site.
Psychiatrist on-site 6 hours per week.
Master’s level clinician on site 5 hours/day, 5 days/ week.
Enhanced training for staff designated as intake officers.
Medical staff will be responsible for medication dissemination.
Medical staff will provide HIV education, counseling, testing and management of HIV.
Entry screening completed using computer intake through IAR.
Policy regarding evaluation of youth after use of force will be amended to provide clearer documentation.
Select staff will be trained as EMT’s to enhance the capacity to resuscitate.
Only shift supervisors will be trained in medication administration to provide as back up for nurses.
These changes will take effect on or about September 1, 1999.
NEW:
A meeting is scheduled at CSSD with medical and mental health staff to discuss programmatic changes.
ACTION 14: Enhance Other Detention Programming
Reported July 19, 1999:
We are reviewing activity schedules at each detention center with special regard to the hours of 2pm to 8pm.
ETP, a private consulting firm, at our request, is conducting an educational standards audit in all three state run detention centers, with specific concentration on New Haven,
which will be completed by August 30, 1999. The study will review policy and practice and make a series of recommendations. We are investigating the possibilities of incorporating year round school and of starting school earlier in the Detention cycle.We are reviewing programmatic options for an Ombudsman Program and will develop a model in the next two weeks.
Reported July 30, 1999:
A proposal has been accepted for immediate implementation to increase recreation activities in New Haven during the summer. We are exploring the option of providing enhanced recreational services year round in all three facilities.
CSSD Administration has offered to donate 12 used computers to the detention centers. We have followed up on this offer and will explore options for dispersion.
A member of the Ombudsman Association has submitted a proposal for an Ombudsman program. The proposal will be reviewed this week.
On Thursday, July 29, we met with representatives of the Wheeler Clinic. We explored options for a therapeutic treatment program for adolescents with psychiatric service needs. We will further explore contracted school options.
Education and Training Program (ETP) has agreed to extend his contract with CSSD for Educational Services Evaluation to include the three detention centers, beginning with the New Haven facility.
Y2k meetings continue. We are exploring options for preparedness in the case there are Y2k ramifications.
The juvenile case management information system will be part of OPM CJIS. An RFP is expected to be issued by October 1, vendor selection by January 1, 2000, and we expect implementation by July, 2000 for both the juvenile and adult systems.
Reported August 20, 1999
As of August 2, 1999, an expanded recreational program has been implemented in New Haven. Recreation activities are offered in the morning and in the evening for five hours each day, Monday through Friday. The program emphasizes team work and cooperative games, while engaging detention center staff and detainees in a structured, creative environment.
We have contacted The Connecticut Correction Ombudsman, Incorporated, who is contracted by the Department of Corrections to provide ombudsman services. They are eager to participate in discussions regarding an Ombudsman program for juvenile detention and are sending program materials.
We have conducted a review of the Local Education Agency obligations according to the Consent Decree and are developing a strategy for compliance.
ETP has been contracted to evaluate educational service delivery in the Juvenile Detention Centers, within the requirements of the mandates. ETP will also look at educational models that are effective with detained youth.
Members of the Central Placement Team, Long Lane administrators, DCF and Judicial representatives met August 16, 1999 to look at an expedited process for
juveniles awaiting placement in detention. They will look a the model used at Mt. Saint John’s as a baseline for the detention model.A reminder was sent to all detention staff regarding the "Division Policy" that states that all staff are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to DCF.
NEW:
Project MORE, who provides the recreational programming at the New Haven Detention Center, has proposed including weekend recreation programs and extending service hours to 8 hours per day, 7 days per week (mornings and evenings). Services for New Haven have been extended to December, 1999, and a bid is being prepared to extend services to January 1, 2000, for all three detention centers.
We continue to discuss options for an Ombudsman Program in juvenile detention with both the Connecticut Correction Ombudsman, Inc., and the staff at the Horizons Juvenile Detention Center in New York.
Members of the Central Placement Team, Long Lane administrators, DCF personnel, and Judicial representatives met again last week. They have prepared a draft model protocol to expedite placement of appropriate detainees at the Mount Saint John School. Meetings regarding expedited placements will continue.
ACTION 15: Explore Funding Sources to Support Detention Improvements.
Reported July 19, 1999:
At our request, OPM staff have joined our weekly Judicial work group established by Judge Leuba to recommend a comprehensive set of improvements in the detention centers.