The five teenagers were charged with assault after attacking and breaking the jaw of a transgender girl who was housed in a boy’s unit at a youth service center in DC.
According to an NBC affiliate, the attack was one of two separate fights that erupted at the juvenile detention center on July 7th. WRC-TVThe 88-bed facility had over 17 people per DYRS data that day.
The DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services said the fight was unrelated and staff were present between both cases and are working quickly to eliminate the situation.
In an incident involving a transgender victim, Dyrs said Supporters They started a “full review” and contacted the Metropolitan Police Department. The teenagers involved were separated and reassigned to another housing unit as a precaution.
The placement of transgender youth in male housing units raised questions. DYRS Policy Transgender and intersex prisoners do not require them to be housed based solely on the basis of their genitals.
“DYRS staff shall make housing decisions for trans youth based on the youth’s sense of youth that they are safest and recommendations from healthcare providers,” reads the policy that came into effect in 2012.
The policy requires staff to protect youth from harassment and discrimination in juvenile detention facilities. DYRS staff also work with therapists who practice conversion therapy to prohibit the isolation of LGBTQ youth as a safeguard.
If adolescents reveal expressions of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender, staff should “speak with the young people in an open, non-judgmental understanding and determine whether they have specific concerns or needs related to being LGBTQI,” the policy reads.
A DYRS official said Supporters Staff at DC Youth Services Centre have adhered to existing policies regarding LGBTQI issues.
But the policy, which was hailed as a victory for the transgender community when it was approved more than a decade ago, could face conflict with President Trump’s executive order, which states that federal agencies no longer recognize transgender identity. Under the order, imprisoned transgender individuals are forbidden to be housed in a unitary space that does not coincide with the sex assigned at birth.
Metro Weekly We have submitted a request for comment from the DC Deputy Mayor’s office for Public Safety and Public Safety and the office of Judge Lindsay Appia and DC Mayor Muriel Bauser. A spokesman for the mayor’s office that was introduced Metro Weekly To dyrs.
A DYRS spokesman shared a statement from Coach Sam Abed in response to an investigation seeking details on the incident and condition of the injured teen.
“Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is deeply committed to the safety, security and well-being of all youths in our care. These isolated cases are unacceptable and are taken very seriously by our agents. We appreciate our staff for their prompt action to rule out the situation,” the statement reads.
“We are dedicated to creating an environment where young people can focus on rehabilitation, personal growth and long-term success. We will continue to strengthen internal protocols and consider contributing factors to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
