Sen. LaTonya Johnson’s Juvenile Justice Reform Signed Into Law
"“It’s far past time that we get serious about reforming our juvenile correctional system."
MADISON – Wisconsin State Senator LaTonya Johnson (D – Milwaukee) released the following statement regarding 2017 Senate Bill 35 – legislation she authored with Wisconsin State Representative Joel Kleefisch (R – Oconomowoc) which requires juvenile correctional officers to report suspected child abuse and neglect – being signed into law by Governor Scott Walker today:
“In Wisconsin, we have kids attempting suicide and correctional workers experiencing vicious assaults in our juvenile correctional facilities. Requiring juvenile correctional officers to be mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect is a common-sense measure that will create much-needed accountability and help aid in the safety of both juvenile offenders and staff.
“I believe this legislation is a small but important tool that will help break the culture of silence and subject those who fail to report suspected child abuse and neglect to criminal penalties. However, we have a long way to go to ensure the safety of children and staff in our juvenile facilities.
“It’s far past time that we get serious about reforming our juvenile correctional system. I look forward to working with my colleagues on additional measures to improve the safety and security of youth and staff in our juvenile facilities and ultimately improve outcomes for our children who encounter the justice system in Wisconsin.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Facilities
- Evers’ Prison Plan Receives Mixed Reviews - WPR Staff - Feb 21st, 2025
- ‘First of its Kind in Wisconsin’ Collaboration Will Support Disabled Incarcerated Youth - Andrew Kennard - Dec 12th, 2024
- MKE County: Tight Budget Forces Difficult Vote on Housing, Juvenile Justice - Graham Kilmer - Nov 1st, 2024
- Letters from Evers, Republicans Show Clash on Juvenile Corrections - Andrew Kennard - Aug 17th, 2024
- Following Counselor Death, Staff, Family Plead for Help At Lincoln Hills - Andrew Kennard - Aug 16th, 2024
- Lawmakers Grill Wisconsin Prison Officials Over Safety, Employee Death at Youth Facility - Sarah Lehr - Aug 7th, 2024
- Future of Lincoln Hills Remains In Limbo - Isiah Holmes - Apr 12th, 2024
- MKE County: County Youth In State Prisons Declining Again - Graham Kilmer - Jan 15th, 2024
- Legislative Committee Okays $6 Million for 2nd Juvenile Facility - Devin Blake - Oct 1st, 2023
- Some Progress, Still Problems at Lincoln Hills - Isiah Holmes - Jul 9th, 2023
Read more about Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Facilities here
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