Virus a looming threat at juvenile facilities
MINNEAPOLIS — For the tens of thousands of kids locked up in juvenile detention centers and other correctional facilities across America, experts have issued a gloomy warning: The coronavirus is coming.
Already this week, Louisiana confirmed that a staff member and three children in state custody had contracted the virus, including one living in a group home in Baton Rouge. Connecticut, Minnesota, New York and Texas also have reported positive tests among youth or staff.
Worried about the virus’ spread in crowded facilities, more than 30 correctional administrators and children’s rights advocates called Tuesday for the release of vulnerable youths and for the stoppage of all new admissions. They also want a clear safety plan for those who remain inside, including access to adequate cleaning supplies and contact with loved ones.
“Even though these kids are hidden from view, they are still part of our community and their health affects the health of all of us, as we affect them,” said Renee Slajda, of the nonprofit Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights.
When adults are counted, there are more than 2.2 million people behind bars nationwide, more than any other country in the world. Prisons and jails are considered possible incubators for the virus, with cases multiplying quickly once entering a facility.
But little attention has been paid to the 43,000 minors in detention centers and correctional facilities, said Marc Schindler of the advocacy group Justice Policy Institute.
He noted that kids may be silent carriers of the virus that causes COVID-19, and those who are locked up may be at higher risk because they have more health problems than those of the same age in the general public.