rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/demand-accountability-at-acydc?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-demand-accountability-at-acydc' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Helping Hands of Love https://actionnetwork.org/groups/adair-juvenile-detention https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/463/726/normal/ACYDC_Covers1.png Demand ACYDC Charge as Youths I want to bring attention to a critical issue concerning the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Adair County Youth Development Center (ACYDC), where serious allegations of abuse and a lack of accountability have surfaced following the events of November 12, 2022. ACYDC, designed for the detention of medium to maximum level offenders, is unfortunately being misused to house youth with lower-level offenses or those yet to be convicted. Disturbing reports of neglect, psychological, and physical abuse have emerged, revealing instances of children being subjected to inhumane conditions—kept in cells with ankle-deep water, deprived of basic necessities like baths and meals, and confined for nearly 24 hours daily, violating their civil and constitutional rights. On November 12, 2022, DJJ attributed a riot to the children at ACYDC, but by November 16, 2022, former staff members courageously spoke out about witnessing abuse at the facility. Parents, caregivers, and community members joined the outcry on November 23, 2022. Shockingly, by March 2023, the state had charged 15 juveniles with serious offenses, seeking to try them as adults. This decision by DJJ to try these juveniles as adults is deeply concerning, as it impedes their ability to learn, grow, and reintegrate into society. Most of these children have not been convicted of the charges they face, and the state seems intent on pushing a narrative that distorts the reality of their circumstances. As a mother who has personally witnessed the disturbing footage of the riots, it is evident that the information presented to the public is an attempt to cover up the true nature of events. I am reaching out for help for my son and urging you to sign this petition to demand that these children have a fair chance and are tried in juvenile court. I am also requesting that you call the Adair County Attorney's office, specifically asking for Assistant County Attorney Angela Capps, and join me in demanding that these children remain in juvenile court. Together, let us advocate for accountability, justice, and a future for these young individuals who deserve proper treatment and guidance. Juanisha Saunders is a previously incarcerated and directly impacted mother who is advocating for justice for her son. After finding out that he had gotten arrested, Nisha found out that there was little time to find out why and where he was. Once she found out he was at Adair, she began hearing stories about the conditions of ACYDC. Nisha’s son made the disturbing about the “riot” call after 2 weeks of lockdown- naming that they were under staffed. Find out more https://linktr.ee/helpinghandsoflovel.l.c https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-accountability-at-acydc