A federal judge will visit Louisiana State Penitentiary on Thursday to assess the former death row building now housing juvenile detainees. Civil rights advocates argue that the conditions within the facility, including extreme heat and inadequate healthcare, violate constitutional standards.
Judge Shelly Dick scheduled the visit following a motion by attorneys collaborating with the American Civil Liberties Union to cease juvenile incarceration at the Angola prison farm. The state began housing juveniles at the facility last year due to capacity and safety issues at juvenile detention centers. This move was considered a temporary solution after an escapee from a New Orleans juvenile facility was suspected in a shooting.
Although initially upholding the practice last September, Judge Dick acknowledged potential harm while asserting that the state could provide constitutional shelter and treatment. The transfer of juveniles to the prison was intended to be temporary, with an initial target for removal set for this spring. However, with approximately 15 juveniles still housed there as of early this month, the relocation has been delayed until late November.
A recent court filing by juvenile advocates alleges that the state hasn't met constitutional standards at the Angola facility. The filing highlights the extreme heat within the non-air-conditioned building where the primarily Black male youths are held, citing heat index values frequently exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes reaching 130 degrees. Furthermore, the advocates claim promised educational and mental health services haven't been provided, and the frequent isolation of youths in their cells constitutes psychologically damaging solitary confinement. The state is expected to respond to these claims in court filings before a hearing scheduled for August 15th.
