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Motion of the Council of Allegheny County calling for a full and transparent overview of the operations of Shuman Center, Allegheny County's juvenile detention facility.
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WHEREAS, Shuman Center, Allegheny County's juvenile detention facility, is approximately 35 years old; and
WHEREAS, last year, the Department of Public Welfare issued a six-month provisional certificate of compliance for Shuman Center after an inspection found multiple significant issues, including inadequate staffing, substandard building conditions and poorly documented medical records; and
WHEREAS, the Center's full license was just reinstated in December of 2008; and
WHEREAS, in March 2009, Shuman Center Director William Simmons spoke to Council's Committee on Public Safety, and indicated that the Center was in compliance with state standards; and
WHEREAS, published reports from this month indicate that additional issues may exist with regard to Shuman Center; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of Council to work cooperatively with the Chief Executive in gathering information on Shuman Center's operations so that a proactive, long-term strategy for addressing the Center's issues can be crafted;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY,
Allegheny County Council hereby requests that the Allegheny County Controller conduct a performance audit of the Shuman Center. Council further requests that a Shuman Center Study Group be formed by the Chief Executive and County Council, to be composed of representatives from the Administration and Council as well as representatives from outside entities having experience relevant to Shuman Center, and that the Group begin meeting immediately to review all aspects of Shuman Center's operations, including personnel duties, responsibilities and supervision.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: COUNCIL MEMBER DROZD