N.Y. Prisons To Keep Young Inmates From Segregation
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - New York corrections officials say they will update state prison policy to preclude placing inmates under 18 in segregated housing.
The change is part of a settlement of a lawsuit filed by Prisoners' Legal Services.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision says Tuesday it's consistent with efforts to address the special circumstances of inmates with serious mental illness or who are intellectually challenged.
The agreement includes a review of juveniles under 21 currently or formerly in special housing to determine their education needs. It also includes hiring social workers for juveniles in new housing units, limiting juveniles' disciplinary confinement and considering age as a mitigating factor in disciplinary cases.
A corrections spokeswoman says there were recently 97 inmates under 18, and those in special housing have ranged from nine to 15.
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