Texas Governor Signs Bill To Implement Changes At Juvenile Prison System Hit By Sex Scandal

Friday, June 8th 2007, 6:31 pm

By: News On 6

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Gov. Rick Perry on Friday signed into law sweeping changes to a juvenile justice system plagued by allegations that staff members sexually abused inmates and that officials may have tried to cover it up.

State lawmakers voted to improve staff-to-inmate ratios in the Texas Youth Commission, create strong new investigative powers to look into claims of abuse and prohibit courts from sending youths to state lockups for misdemeanors.

The changes also include a family ``Bill of Rights'' on contact with inmates and filing grievances. A new ombudsman office will act as an advocate for inmates.

Lawmakers began pushing for the changes in February after allegations of sex abuse surfaced against the assistant superintendent and principal of the West Texas State School in Pyote. Both have since been indicted on sex abuse charges and pleaded not guilty. Several top officials have also resigned.

The commission incarcerates about 3,800 offenders ages 10 to 21 who are considered the most dangerous, incorrigible or chronic. The commission operates 15 prisons, nine halfway houses, and treatment and counseling centers.

The changes also include a new agency leadership structure. Perry will appoint a commissioner _ subject to Senate confirmation _ to run the agency for two years. In 2009, a citizen board will resume oversight.

The previous citizen board resigned under pressure when critics said it did not have the expertise or will to deal with pending problems, and the agency was placed under a conservatorship.