For years, a shroud of secrecy, silence, and a lack of transparency has surrounded Shelby County Juvenile Detention. The juvenile detention center, which bears the name “The Youth Justice and Education Center,” has not been a beacon of justice and fairness. Children and families have been deprived of in-person visitation, and children have had limited access to meaningful education. There have been allegations of children being forced to remain in a cell for 23 hours with only 1 hour of recreation. In Tennessee, seclusion shall not be used for discipline, punishment, administrative convenience, retaliation, staffing shortages, or any reason other than a temporary response to behavior that threatens immediate harm to a youth or others. Said temporary response should be for no more than two subsequent, consecutive periods of seclusion or more than six (6) total hours of seclusion within a twenty-four-hour period.

After months of infighting and inaction, the Youth Justice and Education Center transitioned to Shelby County Corrections. The Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis is working to ensure that all youth in contact with the Shelby County juvenile justice system are treated equitably and thrive in their homes, schools, and communities.

We are developing a family council to serve as a bridge between families and the juvenile justice system, ensuring that parents’ lived experiences inform policies, practices, and decisions that affect our children.  Through intentional partnership, advocacy, and mutual learning, we will create processes that honor both justice and the sacred bonds of family.  We are inviting youth and adults to apply to join the council.

We are seeking applications from:

• Youth, ages 12 to 17, and adults, who have lived experience with the juvenile justice system.
• Residents of Shelby County

Applications are being accepted now until positions are filled.

Join us on November 9 to learn more about the council.