The 21st Show

Unveiling the treatment inside juvenile detention centers

Produced by Christine Hatfield
 

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We delve into the hidden conditions of Illinois' juvenile detention centers and their exemption from FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), or allowing access to public records, due to the exemption of the Judicial Branch. We spoke with the author from the Better Government Association, who revealed a report that showed from 15 centers that make their inspection reports publicly available, only four met the state’s county detention requirements.

We discussed why it's much harder to keep transparency and accountability with government programs that are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

Guest:

Sophia Van Pelt
(Financial) Policy Analyst, Better Government Association; Author,
'How a FOIA Loophole in Illinois Puts Kids at Risk'