Parents file class action lawsuit against Tennessee Department of Children’s Services

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Two parents have filed a class action lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services on behalf of Disability Rights Tennessee.

The lawsuit alleges that youth in Tennessee’s juvenile correctional system, many of whom have disabilities, are denied support during their rehabilitation, education and treatment.

The plaintiffs claim that the teenagers are punished for their symptoms with solitary confinement, pepper spray and peer violence.

“Defendants’ use of pervasive violence and abuse in lieu of treatment exacerbates the youths’ mental, behavioral, intellectual and developmental problems, driving them to, among other things, self-harm and suicidal thoughts,” the lawsuit states.

You can read the full text of the complaint here:

The lawsuit also names DCS Commissioner Margie Quin and Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds as defendants.

Action News 5 has reached out to DCS for comment.

A 2022 audit found that DCS had failed to investigate dozens of cases of sexual abuse and sexual harassment.

SIMILAR VIDEO: