NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than a dozen Tennessee lawmakers urged the Department of Children’s Services to look into juvenile detention centers across the state after a recent case of alleged abuse and neglect at the Richard L. Bean Center in Knox County.
MTSU Political Science Professor Sekou Franklin says a DCS audit of this magnitude could show what may be cases of abuse across the state at these juvenile detention facilities, so he's applauding the 14 lawmakers who signed a letter calling for all facilities to be looked into.
Franklin shared that the reason for their demands is what they say was a quote "culture of lawlessness" at the Richard L. Bean Center.
First reported in a joint investigation by Nashville Public Radio, their investigation showed kids were found locked alone in cells in Knoxville more than any other facility in the state. This was used as punishment and sometimes for an unspecified amount of time. The letter states any juvenile detention facility administrator who openly defies state detention rules should “soon find themselves out of a job.”
Shortly after the letter was received by DCS, officials responded saying they're "addressing the concerns outlined in the report about the Bean Center. The matter is being treated with urgency and is a priority to the department.” The superintendent has been heading the facility since 1972.
WPLN's investigation also comes as NewsChannel 5 Investigates continues digging into DCS, including the recent case of two whistleblowers who said top DCS leaders ordered them to cover up dangerous conditions at transitional homes where abused and neglected children are staying.
NewsChannel 5 Investigates: DCS whistleblowers claim ‘cover-up’ of ‘dangerous’ conditions in state-run homes
