MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A class action lawsuit filed against the Tennessee Department of Child Services alleges multiple instances of abuse in facilities around the state.
The federal lawsuit was filed by Disability Rights Tennessee and other organizations, on behalf of their clients, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.
"This case is about the myriad ways in which Defendants fail Tennessee’s most vulnerable population: children and young people with disabilities committed to their care," the complaint reads.
The complaint also lists State of Tennessee, DCS Commissioner Margie Quin, and Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds as defendants in the lawsuit.
Included in the 114-page complaint are several allegations of abuse, neglect and educational deprivation at various youth facilities including Wilder Youth Development Center, Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center, amongst others.
The filing lists the plaintiffs as John Doe 1, John Doe 2 and Jane Doe through their parents on behalf of a proposed class.
John Doe 1 was allegedly held in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day in two facilities he was held in, adding that the practice also takes place at the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center.
John Doe 2 was placed at the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center, and was allegedly never given mental health treatment, never evaluated for his reasonable accommodation needs and only given 1.5 hours of school per day.
"For example, O.V. was isolated on-and-off for two years at Wilder, during which time he often did not go to school at all," the complaint reads. "When multiple Youth were placed in solitary confinement at the same time, O.V. only received lessons once per week. Facility Staff often placed written lesson packets under O.V.’s door in lieu of providing educational instruction."
"At Wilder, Youth report a widespread practice called “dorm racking” in which Youth are forced to fight every member of their dorm to become initiated into the dorm. Upon information and belief, Facility Staff are aware of this practice and do not intervene."
The complaint also alleges widespread use of pepper spray, as well as physical assaults either by staff or sanctioned by staff.
Read the full complaint here: