The Wyoming Boys’ School, Wyoming Department of Family Services, and several current and former Boys’ School staff members have responded to allegations of abuse with denials in a court filing. Three former residents of the Boys’ School sued in February, claiming abuse, including solitary confinement. The defendants denied all allegations, stating that the facility does not use solitary confinement but may put residents on detention status. They also denied excessive use of restraints and stated that the Boys’ School is not a residential treatment facility.
The response also addressed the plaintiffs’ disabilities and experiences at the facility, including a suicide attempt. The filing acknowledged that some staff positions do not require experience working with children. Two years ago, there was an increase in violence at the Boys’ School, which led to increased training on trauma-informed approaches. The defendants blamed COVID-19 for earlier struggles at the facility.
Legislation passed in 2022 aimed at improving data collection on juvenile justice, but the requirements do not go into effect until July. The plaintiffs in this case were at the Boys’ School during the spike in violence, with one later arrested for a serious crime.
The defendants also filed a partial motion to dismiss, arguing that only facilities and agencies can face repercussions under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act. They are seeking costs incurred and further relief as deemed proper by the court.
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