LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The state and federal government are in agreement that the Arkansas juvenile lockup at Alexander has complied with a settlement that required a number of reforms.
The state and the Justice Department said Tuesday that they filed a joint motion to dismiss a court action against the facility.
The Justice Department says the facility has made changes regarding mental health care, fire safety, education and religious freedom for young people incarcerated at the lockup. The government also notes that the state has moved away from institution-based juvenile justice and has adopted a community-based model.
The center's history includes incidents of abuse, mismanagement and educational shortfalls. In 2003, the state and the Justice Department signed the court agreement that mandated broad reforms.
The site won accreditation in 2008.
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