During a recent council meeting, significant discussions centered on the ongoing challenges related to the use of solitary confinement in juvenile facilities, particularly at the Children and Family Justice Center (CFJC). Councilor Muradimoski expressed concerns that the current practices are not aligning with the policy vision aimed at minimizing solitary confinement, noting that over 20% of young people in the facility were placed in restrictive housing in the past nine months.

The council unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to improving operations at the CFJC, emphasizing a therapeutic and restorative approach for the youth. Muradimoski highlighted the need for additional resources, including staffing and programming, to effectively implement these changes. He urged the department to provide clarity on what is necessary to achieve the vision of reduced solitary confinement, especially as budget discussions approach.

Director Cotton responded, acknowledging the complexities of the situation. He explained that the facility's design, which includes single cells for privacy, inadvertently contributes to the classification of solitary confinement, even when not intended as a punitive measure. Cotton emphasized the balance between ensuring safety for both staff and youth while striving to improve conditions.

The council recognized the need for a clearer definition of solitary confinement and the circumstances under which it is applied. There was a consensus on the importance of addressing these issues to better reflect the facility's practices and to work towards the intended goals of the ordinance. The dialogue underscored a commitment to ongoing collaboration and improvement in the treatment of young individuals within the justice system.