Mentally ill kids in prison: sex objects?
Our office received a disturbing message this morning.
A relative of a mentally ill juvenile in the Michigan prison system was told that two guards (gender not specified) are sexually exploring his body with their hands.
We received a similar report earlier this year from the mother of another young prisoner. Even when the youthful inmate was in segregation, the one-on-one guard assigned to him was a female who allegedly would reach through the opening used for delivery of food to engage in inappropriate activity.
Does this mean that all corrections officers are bad? Absolutely not. But, the second question is: If we know about two incidents of this nature, is this just the tip of the iceberg?
Recently a local policeman was arrested for using his position to obtain sexual favors. It gave many good cops a bad name. But the administration is to be commended: Immediate action was taken.
Recently a local area Assistant City Attorney was arrested for using his position to obtain sexual favors. It gave many city attorneys and their assistants a bad name. But, again, the right thing was done. Immediate action was taken.
If investigation by the Michigan Department of Corrections finds that the above stories are true, Band-Aids are not appropriate. Just handing a guard, who didn't use good judgment, another assignment isn't acceptable.
We're talking about young children here, who have no advocate, who have no recourse, and (in our opinion) who should be in an institution other than a prison! They're helpless!
If the MDOC is Expecting Excellence Every Day, then we are expecting appropriate investigation and action today!
Many years ago, when Bill Van Regenmorter was a Michigan Senator, I visited his office and was immediately struck by a small plaque on his wall that quoted Proverbs 31:8: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
I asked a friend from our church to cross-stitch the same verse for me. It is framed and on the wall of this office. My assistant and I cannot walk in and out of this room without seeing it.
We pledge to continue to do that, on your behalf, with your continued support.
HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS
P.O. Box 687
Grand Haven, MI 49417
A relative of a mentally ill juvenile in the Michigan prison system was told that two guards (gender not specified) are sexually exploring his body with their hands.
We received a similar report earlier this year from the mother of another young prisoner. Even when the youthful inmate was in segregation, the one-on-one guard assigned to him was a female who allegedly would reach through the opening used for delivery of food to engage in inappropriate activity.
Does this mean that all corrections officers are bad? Absolutely not. But, the second question is: If we know about two incidents of this nature, is this just the tip of the iceberg?
Recently a local policeman was arrested for using his position to obtain sexual favors. It gave many good cops a bad name. But the administration is to be commended: Immediate action was taken.
Recently a local area Assistant City Attorney was arrested for using his position to obtain sexual favors. It gave many city attorneys and their assistants a bad name. But, again, the right thing was done. Immediate action was taken.
If investigation by the Michigan Department of Corrections finds that the above stories are true, Band-Aids are not appropriate. Just handing a guard, who didn't use good judgment, another assignment isn't acceptable.
We're talking about young children here, who have no advocate, who have no recourse, and (in our opinion) who should be in an institution other than a prison! They're helpless!
If the MDOC is Expecting Excellence Every Day, then we are expecting appropriate investigation and action today!
Many years ago, when Bill Van Regenmorter was a Michigan Senator, I visited his office and was immediately struck by a small plaque on his wall that quoted Proverbs 31:8: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
I asked a friend from our church to cross-stitch the same verse for me. It is framed and on the wall of this office. My assistant and I cannot walk in and out of this room without seeing it.
We pledge to continue to do that, on your behalf, with your continued support.
HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS
P.O. Box 687
Grand Haven, MI 49417
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