Shop

The News-Journal reports on abuse and neglect riddling the juvenile justice system in Volusia County, Fla. A teenager hangs himself in his cell, and the tragedy triggers an investigation to find what is behind the hundreds of abuse complaints and the soaring rates of delinquency and recidivism. The reporters find a system where more youths are committed for lesser offenses; guards make $7 per hour; training to ensure detainees' health and safety is neither required nor offered; and turnover among guards is encouraged rather than curbed.