My family, whom is a resident at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center, has reached out to our family multiple times detailing the horrific abuse he and other minors are enduring. The correctional officer’s, who are supposed to protect these young boys, are instead subjecting them to physical violence and psychological trauma. Despite reporting these incidents to the warden and internal affairs, no action has been taken.

Juveniles, are denied food. Even though the New Jersey Justice Commission handbook states they’re supposed to be allowed second servings and snacks throughout the day. Juveniles are denied education, even though it’s state mandated that juveniles are to receive five days of school a week.
 
Juveniles are moved to separate units in attempts for retaliation from correctional officer’s. When juveniles are transferred it needs to be signed off by a head officer and has to go through classifications to make sure the juvenile is safe in the unit there being placed. On multiple occasions these officer’s have not gone through the proper steps to safely transfer the juveniles to new units. There have been reports of these juveniles being put in very dangerous situations some causing hospitalization. Furthermore officers reward the aggressors who hurt the juveniles with outside food. All concerns are expressed to social workers and internal affairs but again no action is taken. Relatives have to call 5-6 days in advance just confirm their visit time, only to be told the youth was moved into a separate unit and they cannot take a visit that day. 

In addition to this, there have been numerous incidents where multiple correctional officer’s physically abuse juveniles while being handcuffed. This is not an isolated incident. Across America, there have been numerous reports of abuse in juvenile detention centers (source: National Institute of Justice). In Essex County alone, there have been several reported cases over recent years (source: New Jersey Department of Children and Families). This systemic issue puts our children's lives at great risk.

We cannot stand by while our children suffer. We demand a thorough investigation into these allegations against the correctional officers at Essex County Juvenile Detention Center. We’re seeking suspension of the Officer’s who condone such behavior, violate regulations, and all staff member's who have not advocated for these kids. These are the officials we as the community trust with kids even while in detention. Stop the abuse.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every child deserves protection from harm - even those behind bars. Let's ensure that justice is served for all families and all other victims suffering silently within these walls.