Changes Still Needed At ODYS

An annual report by a court-appointed monitor calls some changes to Ohio's youth prison system a model for the nation while highlighting continuing systemic problems with gang violence, education classes and medical care. The report says Ohio Department of Youth Services administrators have done commendable work reducing the number of offenders in secure confinement and spreading services for youthful offenders. The report also notes problems with staff shortages, inadequate teachers and inconsistent medical records. Advocates for youth offenders say the report demonstrates the need for continued court-ordered supervision of the system. A Department spokesperson says the agency is not the same as it was five years ago and has made considerable progress complying with court-ordered changes.