Dallas County juvenile director resigns after general inspector's office opens new investigation
DALLAS - The director of the Dallas County Juvenile Justice Department has resigned amid allegations of problems at the detention center.
FOX 4 has learned state inspectors paid an unannounced visit to the center this week as community leaders raise concerns about conditions there.
Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center Executive Director Darryl Beatty resigned Friday at the request of the Juvenile Board and Chief Juvenile Judge Cheryl Shannon.
The Texas Office of the Inspector General — which investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation — made an unannounced visit on Monday.
Based on what inspectors found during Monday’s visit, there’s now a new investigation into the detention center.
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Head of Dallas County Juvenile Justice Center refutes claims of 'inhumane' conditions
Executive Director Darryl Beatty held a press conference to defend his detention center. However, he refused to take any questions from the media and instead read a prepared statement. His attorney said that was his advice.
Michael Waters is the founding member of the Dallas Black Clergy. The organization has recently been highlighting allegations of inhumane and harsh conditions.
We’re hoping that this is the beginning of the changes that are needed to protect our young people," he said. "And so we have a significant responsibility to make sure that our young people are not harmed in a system that’s supposed to rehabilitate them."
Beatty denied allegations to reporters a couple of weeks ago.
"No findings have ever been made of inhumane treatment. None," he told reporters in a July 1 press conference.
Activists want a seat at the table to determine who the next director will be.
"We also think that an independent third party really needs to do a top-to-bottom review of all the systems of the Henry Wade Juvenile Center to ensure the care of our young people," Waters said.
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Legal battle ensues between Dallas County commissioner, juvenile dept. director over legal records
The standoff began after a report that found the Dallas County Juvenile Department lags behind national standards, including keeping kids locked up longer than other juvenile detention centers. Now, a court will decide whether the commissioner gets the documents he wants.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is also calling for a third-party investigation.
The Juvenile Board will have an emergency meeting Monday to determine the next steps.