Report notes failure in Ohio juvenile facilities

COLUMBUS (AP) — A report card by children’s advocates grades Ohio’s juvenile justice system as failing the state’s youth, despite improvements made in recent years.

The report card put out by the Ohio Public Defender’s Office, American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and the Children’s Law Center shows Ohio improving in terms of jailing fewer youth, but failing when it comes to shackling children who aren’t dangerous in court.

Despite declining incarceration rates, the report says Ohio still jails a greater percentage of children than many other states. It says too many of those children are minorities.

The report card also states that too many Ohio youth go through the justice system without a lawyer.

Youth Services Department Director Harvey Reed says the department will continue to improve its programs and services.