Death of Florida Youth in Juvenile Detention Raises Questions
The death this month of a young man detained in juvenile detention has child advocates and child abuse attorneys questioning how the incident happened – and how future deaths can be avoided in the future.
Officials from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice said earlier that the youth was unresponsive when he was found at the Brevard Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. CPR performed by a nurse failed to revive the youth. He was pronounced dead at Rockledge Hospital, where he had been transported after being found at the facility.
Calling the youth’s passing a “tragedy,” a Florida Department of Juvenile Justice said in an email to media that “initial details surrounding this tragedy are still being investigated.”
The facility reportedly is a 40-bed center for youths who have been ordered detained by the courts.
Child abuse attorneys and lawyers who represent children harmed or abused while under the care of juvenile detention facilities or under the watch of the Florida Department of Children and Families are watching this case closely. While little is known about the circumstances leading to the youth’s passing, it is hoped that protocols have been followed and a full report will reveal the details behind the event.