Vermont's state-run juvenile detention center has been ordered to reduce the use of solitary confinement and ease disciplinary procedures.
Late last week, U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford issued a preliminary injunction requiring the changes at the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in Colchester.
Vermont Public Radio reports Crawford ordered the Department for Children and Families, which runs Woodside, to make changes in the use of seclusion, restraint techniques used by staff and the treatment of youth in mental health crisis.
The ruling came after Disability Rights Vermont filed suit alleging children at Woodside were held in dangerous conditions. The group's executive director, Ed Paquin, says he's pleased with the ruling.
DCF says it's "supportive of making changes to policy and practice that are reflective of current best practices for youth."
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