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WV Officials Uncertain How To Improve High Security Juvenile Facility
By: Associated Press
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West Virginia officials and lawmakers alike appear uncertain about how to tackle problems at the state's only high-security juvenile corrections facility.
A court ruling last month condemned conditions at the Industrial Home for Youth at Salem. Circuit Judge Omar Aboulhosn called on officials to make serious changes.
But Juvenile Services Director Dale Humphreys told lawmakers on Monday that the judge didn't specify the changes.
Legislators taking part in the interim meeting also questioned how they or other officials should react. At least one lawmaker questioned whether the state should appeal the judge's findings.
Humphreys said he's hoping for more direction from the court at a Friday hearing. But he also said his agency is discussing a plan.
The judge found Salem's Building A too prison-like for children and young adults.