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Settlement Reached In Washington County Juvenile Detention Facility
By: Associated Press
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A juvenile detention facility in southeast Ohio has agreed to pay about $400,000 and make policy changes to settle a 2010 class-action lawsuit that alleged harsh treatment.
Washington County Juvenile Court and plaintiffs representing affected inmates asked a federal judge on Monday to approve the settlement.
Among changes the court in Marietta will make are reducing the length of time inmates can be held in isolation, appointing a medical director and allowing inmates unshackled recreation time.
The facility also would do away with community service projects at for-profit corporations.
The center holds children between ages 12 and 18 who typically have committed low-level crimes such as drug possession, disorderly conduct or minor assault.
It served about 60 youths in two treatment programs in 2009 and held about 85 in detention cells.