Feds Reach Settlement Over TYC Facility Conditions

McALLEN, Texas — A federal judge approved a settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Texas Youth Commission over safety and conditions at Evins Regional Juvenile Center.

A 2007 review by the Justice Department found a “chaotic and dangerous” environment at Evins with chronic understaffing, high levels of youth-on-youth violence, and incidents of staff abuse, unnecessary force and intimidation, which violated wards’ constitutional rights.

The settlement, approved by U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, establishes parameters to improve conditions and safety at the high-security facility, which is located about 220 miles south of San Antonio.

The settlement, which is designed to protect wards against staff abuse and reduce the incidence of youth-on-youth violence, includes time-lined benchmarks for staffing levels, restrictions on the use of restraints and guidelines for the establishment and maintenance of safe living conditions.

The judge refused to sign off on the deal in March, citing the absence of adequate concrete criteria and benchmarks to measure progress. Hinojosa will assess progress and compliance with the agreement’s provisions when the parties return to court in 2009.

The settlement also called for the TYC to hire a compliance coordinator to monitor reforms. Richard Nedelkoff, TYC conservator, named former TYC regional director Sylvia Martinez to the position.

Reports of abuse, violence and unsafe and unsanitary conditions at juvenile facilities throughout the state, and allegations of cover-ups rocked the TYC in 2007.

he scandal also prompted state lawmakers to enact a comprehensive review and overhaul of the commission, which oversees approximately 5,000 beds at more than 12 secure regional facilities throughout Texas.