Settlement Near On Rader Center Lawsuit

A settlement may be near in a federal lawsuit filed over conditions at the Rader Juvenile Detention Center in Sand Springs. 

The U.S. Justice Department filed the lawsuit in December 2006, saying children held at Rader were subjected to sexual and physical assaults.

Records show more than 1,200 assaults were reported by either juveniles or the center's staff during a three-year period. 

The Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs says talks have been ongoing with the Justice Department since January. 

State officials say they hope a settlement will be reached in the next month or two.

Related stories:

7/21/2007  Justice Department Inspectors Tour Rader Center For Lawsuit

12/15/2006  Justice Department Suing Rader Center, Conditions Unconstitutional