[Mississippi] Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility: Investigation 

On March 20, 2012, the DOJ released its investigation findings into the conditions of confinement at the Walnut Grove youth Correctional Facility (WGYCF) in Walnut Grove, Mississippi. The investigation concludes, “the State of Mississippi is deliberately indifferent to the constitutional rights of young men confined at WGYCF. Evidence discovered at WGYCF reveals systematic, egregious, and dangerous practices exacerbated by a lack of accountability and controls. We conclude that youth at WGYCF are not receiving constitutionally adequate care. Specifically, we find that:

• WGYCF is deliberately indifferent to staff sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior with youth. Further, staff fails to report allegations
  of staff sexual abuse to supervisors and State officials, as required by law.
• WGYCF is engaged in a pattern or practice of using excessive force against youth. Staff often use excessive force as a first response, not as a last resort, including the use of pepper spray in excessive amounts. Further, staff fails to  adequately report and investigate uses of force.
• WGYCF is deliberately indifferent to gang affiliations within the ranks of correctional staff.
• WGYCF is deliberately indifferent to the serious risk of harm, through physical and sexual assault, to youth posed by fellow youth. Corrections officers fail to supervise and take reasonable steps to protect youth.
• WGYCF is deliberately indifferent to the suicide risks and serious mental health needs of its youth. The Facility lacks sufficient qualified mental health professionals to provide proper mental health care and current staff is not appropriately trained to address suicidal youth.
• WGYCF is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of its youth.”