Staff PortalHOUSE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Department of Juvenile Justice
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+ Committee Details
Below are current members of the subcommittee to which this agency is assigned. If the agency is under study, these are the members studying the agency at the subcommittee level. If the agency is not currently under study, please see the applicable subcommittee report for the names of the members on the subcommittee at that time, as they may be different from those listed below.
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Hon. Chris Wooten , Chair 
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Hon. Kimberly O. Johnson
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Hon. Josiah Magnuson
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Hon. John R. McCravy, III
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The information below is typically only updated when an agency is under study. For completed studies, it may no longer reflect the current structure or operation of the agency.
+ 2017 Study
To view the study report, please click here.
Meetings
- Full and Subcommittee Reports
- Subcommittee Study (March 7, 2017)
- Staff Study and Agency Response (November 2, 2015)
- Guide to Staff Study Presentation (December 2, 2015)
- Full Committee Study (April 7, 2017)
- Annual Restructuring Report and Accountability Report
- 2015 - Agency ARR and Seven-Year Plan (March 31, 2015)
- 2015 - Agency ARR and Seven-Year Plan Amended (originally submitted March 31, 2015; amended November 2015; amended May 2016)
- 2016 - Agency ARR (January 12, 2016)
- 2015-16 Agency Accountability Report
- 2016-17 Agency Accountability Report
- 2017-18 Agency Accountability Report
- 2018-19 Agency Accountability Report
- 2019-20 Agency Accountability Report
- 2021-22 Agency Accountability Report
- 2022-23 Agency Accountability Report
- Program Evaluation Report
- Agency PER (Revised November 2015)
- Agency Monthly Reports (Follow up requested by Committee through April 2018 and Voluntarily Submitted by Agency Thereafter)
- Monthly Report (July 2017)
- Monthly Report (August 2017)
- Monthly Report (September 2017)
- Monthly Report (October 2017)
- Monthly Report (November 2017)
- Monthly Report (December 2017)
- Monthly Report (January 2018)
- Monthly Report (February 2018)
- Monthly Report (March 2018)
- Monthly Report (April 2018)
- Monthly Report (May 2018)
- Monthly Report (June 2018)
- Monthly Report (August 2018)
- Monthly Report (September 2018)
- Monthly Report (October 2018)
- Monthly Report (November 2018)
- Monthly Report (December 2018)
- Monthly Report (January 2019)
- Monthly Report (February 2019)
- Monthly Report (April 2019)
- Monthly Report (May 2019)
- Monthly Report (June 2019)
- Monthly Report (July 2019)
- Monthly Report (August 2019)
- Monthly Report (September 2019)
- Monthly Report (October 2019)
- Monthly Report (November 2019)
- Monthly Report (December 2019)
- Monthly Report (January 2020)
- Monthly Report (February 2020)
- Monthly Report (March 2020)
- Monthly Report (May 2020)
- Monthly Report (June 2020)
- Monthly Report (July 2020)
- Monthly Report (August 2020)
- Monthly Report (September 2020)
- Monthly Report (October 2020)
- Monthly Report (November 2020)
- Monthly Report (December 2020)
- Investigations and audits performed during, and as a result of, the Oversight Committee's study
- State Inspector General
- Review of Two Issues at the Long-Term Commitment Facilities, Department of Juvenile Justice: (1) Safety Threat to Employees & Juveniles; and (2) Event Reporting Process Integrity Allegations - State Inspector General (April 2016)
- Correctional Consulting Services, LLC
- Security Audit Report of DJJ by Correctional Consulting Services, LLC (May 24 - 27, 201)6
- Legislative Audit Council
- A Limited Review of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice (January 2017)
- Summary response and implementation schedule from DJJ (as of February 3, 2017)
- Updated implementation status of recommendations from DJJ (as of February 15, 2017)
- Annual Requests for Information (RFI)
- 2016 Guidelines (June 20, 2016)
- 2016 Completed RFI (December 1, 2016)
- 2017 Guidelines (June 28, 2017)
- 2017 Completed RFI (September 15, 2017)
- 2017 Guidelines (July 13, 2018)
- 2018 Completed RFI (October 31, 2018)
- 2019 Completed RFI (November 1, 2019)
- 2020 Completed RFI (December 2, 2020)
- Press Release announcing Public Survey (May 13, 2015)
- Press Release announcing Public Input Meeting (February 3, 2016)
- Results of Survey of Comptroller General, First Steps, DOT, DSS, and DJJ (May 1-31, 2015)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (February 25, 2016 and March 1, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (March 11, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (March 13, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (April 7, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (May 8, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (June 2, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (June 2, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (June 2, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (November 2, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (December 16, 2016)
- Public Input about DJJ received via Committee webpage (February 14, 2017)
- Public Input received about DJJ via Committee webpage (February 4, 2018)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to DJJ (February 10, 2015)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (March 4, 2015)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (March 16, 2015)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (August 3, 2015)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (August 26, 2015)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (September 18, 2015)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (September 21, 2015)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (October 8, 2015)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (November 20, 2015)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (December 21, 2015)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight ubcommittee (January 15, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (February 5, 2015)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (February 16, 2016)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (February 19, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to Governor (March 1, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to State Inspector General (March 3, 2016)
- Letter from State Inspector General to Oversight Committee (March 8, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (March 4, 2016)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (March 7, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (March 7, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to Legislative Audit Council (March 15, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (March 15, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to DJJ (March 24, 2016)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (March 25, 2016)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (March 31, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to Senate Special Study Committee on the Department of Juvenile Justice
- Letter from LAC to Oversight Committee (April 28, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (July 13, 2016)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (August 4, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (September 12, 2016)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (September 23, 2016)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (February 2, 2017)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (February 6, 2017)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (February 8, 2017)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (February 14, 2017)
- Letter from Constituent to Oversight Subcommittee Chair (February 14, 2017)
- Letter from Oversight Subcommittee to DJJ (March 8, 2017)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to DJJ (April 26, 2017)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to DJJ (March 27, 2018)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Committee (April 24, 2018)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to DJJ (June 5, 2018)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to DJJ (June 28, 2018)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Subcommittee (July 25, 2018)
- Letter from Oversight Committee to DJJ (April 3, 2019)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Committee (May 1, 2019)
- Letter from DJJ to Oversight Committee (February 8, 2021)
- State Human Resources Data
- State HR Dashboard - DJJ (February 7, 2017)
- State HR Dashboard - DJJ (September 6, 2017)
- Organization Charts
- Organization Charts FY 2000-2001 through 2012-2013
- Organization Chart (October 2015)
- Organization Chart (September 6, 2016)
- Organization Chart (October 2, 2016)
- Other Information about Structure/Employees
- Staffing by Funded Program in 2014-15 provided by DJJ
- Number of authorized and filled positions by organizational unit from 2010-2015 provided by State Human Resources Division of the Department of Administration (November 2015)
- Hierarchy for Security (Rehabilitative Services Division) at DJJ - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (April 5, 2016)
- Report of Salary Adjustments by Reason from January 1, 2010 through May 31, 2010 printed from SC Human Resource Information System
- Report of Salary Adjustments from June 2010 to December 2015 provided by DJJ (Excel Spreadsheet)
- DJJ Executive and Senior Level Vacancies and Status provided by DJJ (July 1, 2015 thru August 2, 2016)
- Staffing Analysis of Broad River Road Complex created by DJJ (September 23, 2016)
- Agency Policy - B-3.29 Employee Restricted and Prohibited Legislative Activities (Effective Date - September 27, 2016)
- Hiring and Training
- Detention Center Training Numbers
- Hiring Packet Checklist (Agency Form B-3.18L)
- Strategic Plan Details (Excel Spreadsheet)
- Finances
- DJJ Monthly Data: February - April 2017
- DJJ Monthly Report for March and April 2017 (provided by agency May 9, 2017)
- Strategic Budgeting - Details (Excel Spreadsheet)
- Caseloads, Referrals, and Cost Comparison handout provided by DJJ (October 13, 2015)
- Total Expenditure Allocations to Goals and Objectives in 2013-14 and 2014-15 provided by DJJ
- Sources of Funding provided by DJJ (September 17, 2015)
- Carry forward amounts for 2005-06 through 2015-16 provided by DJJ (October 26, 2015)
- Fixed and Variable Cost Information for fiscal year 2014-15 explained by DJJ (November 16, 2015)
- Cost Center Variable and Fixed Cost Groupings for fiscal year 2014-15 provided by DJJ (November 16, 2015)
- Analysis of Actual Expenditures by Program/Sub-Program and Funding Source for fiscal years 2006 through 2015 provided by DJJ (October 22, 2015)
- Analysis of Actual Expenditures by Program/Sub-Program and Funding Source for fiscal years 2006 through 2015 provided by DJJ (October 22, 2015)
- Performance
- DJJ Monthly Report for March thru May 2017 (provided by agency on June 9, 2017)
- DJJ Monthly Report for February and March 2017 (provided by agency April 11, 2017)
- Letter from PbS Learning Institute Coach/Consultant to Governor Haley provided by DJJ (July 8, 2014)
- PbS Executive Summary of DJJ authored by Dave Crowley, PbS Consultant/Coach and provided to Subcommittee by DJJ (March 6, 2012)
- PbS Outcome Measures provided by DJJ (March 25, 2016
- Timeline related to formation of PbS and implementation of it at DJJ - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- DJJ Facilities Tracking PbS Measures - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- DJJ Facility Administrators from 2002 through the present - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- Meetings and Calendar related to PbS data collection and utilization at DJJ - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- Reports related to PbS Data - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- PbS Levels explained - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- PbS Staff - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- DJJ staff responsible for PbS at DJJ - notes typed by Oversight Committee staff and verified as accurate by DJJ (March 16, 2016)
- Dashboard of Projects and Agency Measures provided by agency (March 31, 2016)
- Security Audit Report of DJJ by Correctional Consulting Services, LLC dated May 24 - 27, 2016
- Measuring and Using Juvenile Recidivism Data to Inform Policy, Practice, and Resource Allocation (July 2014)
- Core Principles for Reducing Recidivism and Improving Other Outcomes for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System (July 28, 2014)
- Juvenile Detention Facility Assessment 2014 Update (Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative - A Project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation)
- Agency Overview PowerPoint Presentation provided by DJJ (March 4, 2015)
- Lawsuits filed against DJJ, 2005 to Present, provided by DJJ (May 4, 2015)
- Parenting with Love and Limits (PLL) Handouts provided by Parenting with Love and Limits during May 26, 2016 Subcommittee Meeting
- Discipline, Events at Agency and Event Reporting
- Agency Policy - G-9.16 Juvenile Behavior Management and Level Systems (Effective Date - December 31, 2014)
- Agency Policy - G-9.19 Juvenile Progressive Discipline (Effective Date - December 31, 2014)
- Agency Policy - G-9.20 Juvenile Behavior Management and Modification (Effective Date - May 28, 2015)
- Agency Policy - G-10.3 Notification to Family of a Juvenile Emergency (Effective Date - December 31, 2014)
- Agency Policy - I-3.2A Form for Reporting Events (Effective Date - March 2015)
- Agency Policy - I-3.2 Reporting Events (Effective Date - July 1, 2014)
- Agency Policy - Attachment I-3.2A - Required Event Reporting (Effective Date - July 2014)
- DJJ Improvement Plan provided by DJJ (March 9, 2016)
- Progress of DJJ’s Broad River Road Complex (BRRC) Improvements to Date (April 13, 2016)
- Agency Policy - G-9.19 - Juvenile Behavior Management - Incentive System and Progressive Discipline (Effective Date May 9, 2016)
- Agency Policy - E-1.14 - Disciplinary Hearing and Review Board Process (Effective Date May 9, 2016)
- Agency Policy - G-3.4 - Isolation of Youth (Effective Date May 9, 2016)
- Chemical Agents in Juvenile Facilities (May 14, 2012)
- Pepper Spray in Juvenile Facilities (May 2011)
- Agency Policy - H-3.11 Use of Chemical Force and Management of Chemical Agents (Effective Date - April 7, 2016)
- Housing of Juveniles
- Agency Policy - E-1.7 Classification System for Housing in Secure Facilities (Effective Date - December 31, 2014)
- Agency Policy Form E-OK BRRC Juvenile Housing Assignment Factors Assessment (Effective Date - December 2014)
- Confidentiality of Juvenile Records
- S.C. Juvenile Confidentiality Statutes - Article 19. Juvenile Records provided by agency (March 31, 2016)
- Agency Policy B-5.1 Juvenile Records (Effective Date - November 19, 2014)
- Agency Policy B-5.3 Confidentiality and Release of Juvenile Information (Effective Date - November 19, 2014)
- Agency Policy E-1.5 Multidisciplinary Teams and Juvenile Case Staffings (Effective Date - December 31, 2014)
- Agency Policy E-1.5D Multidisciplinary Teams and Juvenile Case Staffings Chart (Effective Date - December 31, 2014)
- Center for Children’s Law and Policy Materials
- Testimony to the Subcommittee from Jason Szanyi, Director of Institutional Reform, Center for Children’s Law and Policy
- Ohio Department of Youth Services Implements Path to Safer Facilities, Corrections Today (September/October 2015)
- The Ohio Model, A Report on the Transformational Reform of the Ohio Department of Youth Services, 2007-2015
- DJJ Compared to Other States
- Case Management
- Community Residential Placement Termination Process (Policy F-6.3; Effective Date - December 31, 2014)
- Wraparound and Intensive In-Home Services (Policy F-7.5; Effective Date - March 24, 2016)
- Probation and Parole Supervision and Reintegration Planning (Policy F-8.1; Effective Date - November 26, 2014)
- Electronic Monitoring (Policy F-8.2; Effective Date - August 4, 2016)
- Juvenile Monetary Restitution and Community Service (Policy F-8.3; Effective Date - July 8, 2015)
- Probation Violation and Parole Revocation Procedures (Policy F-8.5; Effective Date - October 4, 2016)
- Termination of Probation-Parole Supervision and Case Closure (Policy F-9.2; Effective Date - February 6, 2017) Training the agency stated Case Managers must complete within the first year of hire:
- Case Management Protocol and Expectations
- DJJ Community Basic Training
- DJJ Effective Case Management Training Criteria upon which the agency stated Case Managers are evaluated annually
- • Evaluation Criteria and Sample Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) form for Case Managers
- Alternative Placements
- Camp Aspen, operated by Community Education Centers, Inc.
- Georgetown Marine Institute, operated by AMIkids, Inc. According to the agency: The contract for Lancaster Children’s Home, known as the multi-agency contract, is a Fixed Price Bid established to purchase residential services for children for multiple state agencies. These agencies include DJJ, SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, SC Department of Mental Health, and Office of the Governor, Continuum of Care. Providers who are awarded contracts are placed on a Qualified Provider List from which state agencies may select a provider for a particular client.
- Lancaster Children’s Home According to the agency: As of February 6, 2017, DJJ, in conjunction with the South Carolina Materials Management Office (MMO), initiated contract modifications with all marine and wilderness providers, specifically the following providers at the referenced locations: (1) Clemson Youth Learning Institute, Inc. (a) Camp Ghigau and (b) Clemson Youth Development Center a/k/a Camp Long; (2) Community Education Centers, Inc. (a) Camp Aspen; and (3) AMIkids, Inc. (a) Beaufort Marine Institute, (b) Camp Bennettsville, (c) Georgetown Marine Institute, (d) Piedmont Wilderness Institute, (e) Camp Sandhills, (f) Camp White Pines I, and (g) Camp White Pines II. All impacted providers have agreed to the modifications in the document below. The modifications are now being forwarded to MMO for approval and implementation.
- Modifications to all Marine and Wilderness Provider Contracts
Agency Reports
In 2016 the Oversight Committee worked with the Executive Budget Office to combine the information sought in the Annual Restructuring Report and Annual Accountability Report, into one report. Since that time the Agency Accountability Report also satisfies the agency’s requirement for an Annual Restructuring Report.
The Committee requests an agency complete this report to assist the Committee in its analysis and meetings, which result in a study report with recommendations.
DJJ contracted for the security audit. This report was redacted by Correctional Consulting Services, LLC, in consultation with DJJ, in an effort to avoid highlighting issues which may place juveniles and agency staff in danger prior to the issues being resolved by the agency.
Agencies that have completed a Program Evaluation Report may be asked to complete this document to ensure the information about the agency on this website remains current.
Public Survey & Public Input via LOC webpage
Correspondence
The Oversight Committee notifies the agency it has been selected for study.
The Subcommittee requested follow-up information regarding staff demographics.
DJJ provided the Subcommittee the following information in response to the Subcommittee’s March 4, 2015 letter: information regarding staff demographics.
DJJ provided the Subcommittee information regarding employee turnover.
The Subcommittee thanked DJJ for the information it had provided and for its continued cooperation in the legislative oversight process.
The Subcommittee requested the following information after the September 17, 2015 Subcommittee meeting: (1) list of programs that could be downsized or eliminated and (2) information regarding the number served by each program in the past fiscal year.
The Subcommittee requests DJJ verify the documents attached to the letter which summarize the Subcommittee’s analysis of DJJ’s budget and clients served.
DJJ responds to the Subcommittee’s September 21, 2015 letter by providing additional details and explanation of its budget and number of clients served.
The Subcommittee requested the following information: (1) Do the cost savings stated by the agency enable the agency’s budget to be safely reduced; (2) Details regarding the agency’s statements that it cost approx. $690,000 over two years to determine the number of rehired retirees and approx. $690,000 over two years to examine age and retirement eligibility dates; and (3) an explanation relating to total expenses allocated toward all objectives in the two previous fiscal years since it appears in one year that the agency spent approx. $7,000,000 that was not related to any objective.
The Subcommittee requested information relating to the following subjects after the December 2, 2015 Subcommittee meeting: (1) rapes at DJJ facilities; (2) ratio of guards to juveniles, including number required by the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act; (3) juveniles taking the job skills assessment test, WorkKeys, and the scores; (4) copies of any facilities and efficiencies studies conducted; (5) Amount spent toward achieving each DJJ goal and objective in 2014-15, explanation of how the agency determined each figure, and, if the agency typically did not budget or calculate its spending that way, the process the agency utilizes; and (6) list of all employees with program assigned to, percentage of time working on each program assigned and whether the employee has direct interaction with juveniles.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee’s December 21, 2015 letter.
The Subcommittee requested information about the following topics after the January 28, 2016 Subcommittee meeting: (1) WorkKeys eligibility; (2) Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act; (3) facilities’ unused land; (4) employees by functional job duties; (5) incidents and responses, including information about the rapid response team; and (6) comparison to other agencies, including what goals are similar and why the subcommittee should recommend DJJ programs help achieve those goals instead of recommending another agency take on the programs.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee’s questions, during the February 10, 2016 Subcommittee meeting, about the events of December 18-20.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee's February 5, 2016 letter.
The Committee provided the Governor information it received from the public which put into question the life, health, and safety of juveniles and employees at DJJ. The letter was broken out into the following subheadings: (1) lack of safety for juveniles and employees; (2) lack of control; (3) lack of trust; and (4) lack of adequate staff.
The Subcommittee provided the State Inspector General information it received from the public which put into question the life, health, and safety of juveniles and employees at DJJ. The Subcommittee stated the concerns from the public focused on the following areas: (1) destruction of reports; (2) mislabeling situations in reports or failing to file reports at all; (3) pressure not to report criminal activity to the Solicitor’s Office for prosecution; and (4) mismanagement in scheduling adequate guard staff.
The State Inspector General (SIG) informed the Committee that as a result of the Committee’s ongoing oversight study of DJJ, sufficient information had been developed from interviews, surveys, and public testimony to predicate the State Inspector General initiating a review of allegations. The SIG’s preliminary scope focused on allegations that DJJ incident reports were being intentionally misreported, not reported, and lost or destroyed before reaching all the proper channels at DJJ.
The Subcommittee requested the information relating to the following topics after the March 4, 2016 Subcommittee meeting: (1) ways information about incidents at the agency can be sorted and searched electronically; (2) information about incidents in August 2015, September 2015, December 2015, and February 2016; (3) number of dorms/units that have become uninhabitable due to juvenile behavior in last 10 years; (4) all agency policies; (5) employee retention and exit interviews; (6) presentations provided to staff about Performance Based Standards (PbS); and (7) roles of the different employees in DJJ’s Office of Inspector General.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee’s March 4, 2016 letter.
The Subcommittee sent a copy of Committee staff’s notes from the visit to the agency with staff from the Governor’s Office on March 4, 2016 to verify. The Subcommittee also clarified some of its previous requests for videos as the images of juveniles needed to remain confidential; acknowledged the information it had received in response to the March 4 letter; and restated the information still needed from the March 4 letter.
The Subcommittee requested the Legislative Audit Council conduct a review of DJJ’s Program Evaluation report that DJJ submitted to the Subcommittee
The Subcommittee requested information about the following topics after the March 10, 2016 Subcommittee meeting: (1) Performance Based Standards (PbS), including the rating for the DJJ facilities each of the last four years, outcome measures DJJ has data on and different types of reports that can be printed from the PbS database; (2) DJJ’s improvement plan including timelines and outcome measures that will be monitored; (3) number of events during the last year that could have been referred to the Solicitor’s office and number that actually were; (4) annual salaries, which the agency saved, by not having a Police Chief and Gang Specialist; and (5) each position at the agency which received a salary increase from 2010-2015.
Committee staff provide notes from the visit to the agency on March 16, 2016 for the agency to verify.
DJJ provided the Subcommittee the following information in response to the Subcommittee’s March 15, 2016 letter: (1) PbS rating for each DJJ facility for the last four years; and (2) types of reports available in the PbS database.
DJJ provided the Subcommittee the following information in response to the Subcommittee’s March 15, 2016 letter: (1) Deadlines for completion of items in the DJJ Improvement Plan; (2) Outcome measures the agency is monitoring to determine if the items in the Improvement Plan are successful; (3) Personnel responsible for each of the measures; (4) Events at a DJJ facility referred to the solicitor, magistrate or family court; (5) Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) process including when it was started at the facilities at the Broad River Road Complex (BRRC); (6) How DJJ handles the housing of juveniles in different gangs; (7) Federal or state laws which prevent correctional officers at juvenile facilities from knowing information about the juveniles inside the correction facility; (8) Annual salaries of, and amount the agency saved, by not having a Chief of Police and Gang Specialist; and (9) each position at the agency which received a salary increase from 2010-2015.
House Legislative Oversight Committee proposes joint meetings/hearings of the two committees for the purpose of obtaining information from DJJ in an efficient manner (April 27, 2016)
The Legislative Audit Council stated they held an entry conference with Director Murray and members of DJJ’s executive staff and requested a lengthy list of documents from DJJ which they will review as party of the survey phase of the audit. Once they develop their audit objectives, they will provide the Committee with those to ensure they are addressing all of the important issues.
The Subcommittee requested information on the following topics after the May 26, 2016 joint hearing: (1) event reporting system updates; (2) rapid response team and emergency situation; (3) overall security update; (4) education; (5) finances; and (6) organization structure update.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee's July 13, 2016 letter.
The Subcommittee requested information on the following topics after the May 26, 2016 joint hearing: (1) security audit; (2) programmatic audit; (3) staffing report; (4) standards; (5) recidivism; (6) feedback; (7) comparable facility; and (8) agency policies.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee’s September 12, 2016 letter
The Subcommittee sent this letter after its January 31, 2017 Subcommittee meeting. The letter requests information about the following topics: (1) priorities and legislative audit council (LAC) recommendations in general; (2) post-conviction transport of juveniles; (3) case management; (4) alternative placements; and (5) personnel.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee’s February 2, 2017 letter.
The Subcommittee requested information about the following topics after the February 7, 2017 Subcommittee meeting: (1) updates since House Legislative Oversight study began; (2) programming for juveniles; (3) technology; (4) police department, training required, and transport of juveniles; and (5) security at DJJ school.
DJJ provided information in response to the Subcommittee’s February 8, 2017 letter.
The constituent provided this letter as part of the constituent’s testimony during the February 16, 2017 Subcommittee meeting.
Letter to agency which requests information from the agency’s daily dashboard and PbS data at the end of each month.
The Committee provided the agency information it received from the public about the safety and welfare of juveniles and employees at the Coastal Evaluation Center.
The Committee sends the letter to request additional information based on monthly reports received from the agency that provide a statistical overview of the safety of juveniles and agency employees.
DJJ responds to the Committee’s March 27, 2018 letter, which requested additional information based on monthly reports received from the agency that provide a statistical overview of the safety of juveniles and agency employees.
The Committee confirms there is no longer an expectation that DJJ provide the Committee with the monthly statistical reports, which the Committee has posted online, but encourages DJJ to continue publication of these reports on DJJ’s website as another step towards government transparency..
The Committee inquires about the safety of juveniles and staff. Also, the Committee requests information about the agency's implementation of recommendations from the Committee’s study of the agency and the Legislative Audit Council’s review of the agency completed January 2017.
DJJ responds to the Committee’s June 28, 2018 letter which inquiries about the safety of juveniles and staff as well as the implementation of recommendations from the Committee’s study of the agency and the Legislative Audit Council’s review of the agency completed January 2017.
Structure/Employees
The documents below are provided by the Division of State Human Resources based on information the agency inputs into the South Carolina Enterprise Information System (SCEIS). The aggregated data about agency employees includes, but is not limited to, (1) Number of authorized, filled and vacant positions; (2) Education level; (3) Race by Generation; (4) Gender by Generation; (5) Number of full time equivalent employees by funding source; (6) Number of Service and TERI employees at the agency; (7) Number of employees eligible to retire in five years; (8) Number of Trial and Probationary employees by generation; (9) Average salary by payband; (10) Number of certified public manager graduates at the agency; etc.
The agency provided this information in response to the Subcommittee’s request for data on each position at the agency which received a salary increase from 2010-2015. The agency stated in its March 31, 2016 letter to the Subcommittee that DJJ went live with HR/Payroll functioning in SCEIS in June 2010, so salary increase data from January 2010 to May 2010 was obtained from the State Human Resources Division, as they maintain the legacy system that housed HR data prior to SCEIS. The "Slot" on the State HRD report represents the position. The report includes salary increases for positions in which current DJJ employees received pay increases and does not include hiring activities for new staff hired by the agency or transferred from another state agency.
The agency provided this information in response to the Subcommittee’s request for data on each position at the agency which received a salary increase from 2010-2015. The agency stated in its March 31, 2016 letter to the Subcommittee that the report includes salary increases for positions in which current DJJ employees received pay increases and does not include hiring activities for new staff hired by the agency or transferred from another state agency.
The agency state this includes the enrollment and graduation status for employees from DJJ’s detention center enrolled in the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
According to the agency: This form guides hiring managers on the documentation and verification that are required prior to hiring an employee. The checklist must be completed and returned to DJJ Human Resources staff for each new hire. HR obtains copies of transcripts for positions requiring college degrees and for correctional staff who are hired at a higher level due to having the degree. For other positions requiring various license or certification, verification of this information is sent to HR by the hiring manager in the new hire packet. DJJ also has put a process in place to conduct a background review with the SC Criminal Justice Academy (CJA) prior to hiring a correctional officer for the Juvenile Detention Center to ensure that the potential hire is eligible to be certified by the Academy. DJJ is working with CJA to expand this screening process to include new hires for any correctional position that requires Academy certification. A NCIC background check is conducted on all new hires, regardless of position type. Additional information can be found in DJJ’s February 6, 2017 letter beginning on the bottom of page 5.
Mission, Goals & Strategic Plan
Finance & Performance
David Crowley of PbS provided information to Governor Haley about PbS regarding DJJ
Performance Based Standards provided this document which lists all 115 outcome measures. PbS notes that 115 outcome measures are used for correctional facilities, 65 for assessment facilities and 60 for detention facilities. The outcome measures are grouped into Health, Justice, Order, Programming, Reintegration, Safety, Security and Family.
The agency provided this information in response to the Subcommittee’s question about what outcome measures the agency was monitoring to determine if the items in the March 9, 2016 Improvement Plan are successful. The agency further stated in its March 31, 2016 letter to the Subcommittee that most of the measures in these documents are being captured on a daily basis, and those being captured on a weekly or bi-weekly basis are so noted.
This report was redacted by Correctional Consulting Services, LLC, in consultation with DJJ, in an effort to avoid highlighting issues which may place juveniles and agency staff in danger prior to the issues being resolved by the agency.
Article from the Council of State Governments Justice Center provided by Mr. Jason Szanyi, Director of Institutional Reform at the Center for Children’s Law and Policy, who testified to the Subcommittee.
White paper from the Council of State Governments Justice Center provided by Mr. Jason Szanyi, Director of Institutional Reform at the Center for Children’s Law and Policy, who testified to the Subcommittee.
Other Materials
DJJ provided this presentation to the Subcommittee during the agency’s entry meeting with the Subcommittee on March 4, 2015.
Fact Sheet provided by Mr. Jason Szanyi, Director of Institutional Reform at the Center for Children’s Law and Policy, who testified to the Subcommittee.
Issue Brief from the Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators, the professional organization of state juvenile justice agency directors, provided by Mr. Jason Szanyi, Director of Institutional Reform at the Center for Children’s Law and Policy, who testified to the Subcommittee.
The agency provided this information in response to the Subcommittee’s question about how the agency handles the housing of juveniles in different gangs. The agency stated in its March 31, 2016 letter to the Subcommittee that this policy addresses the housing factors considered when determining the most suitable program, unit, and room assignment for each juvenile.
The agency provided this information to the Subcommittee as an example of ways in which security staff are informed about juveniles, while still complying with confidentiality provisions. The agency stated in its March 31, 2016 letter to the Subcommittee that this document is utilized during multi-disciplinary team meetings at which Unit Managers and at least a member of security is present.
The agency provided this information in response to the Subcommittee’s question about what federal or state law prevents correctional officers at juvenile facilities from knowing information about the juveniles inside the correction facility. The agency pointed the Subcommittee to South Carolina Code Sections 63-19-2010 and 2020.
The agency provided this information in response to the Subcommittee’s question about what federal or state law prevents correctional officers at juvenile facilities from knowing information about the juveniles inside the correction facility. The agency pointed to the provision in the policy which states, "[j]uvenile files … are confidential …. [and n]o information or documents will be released or disclosed without proper authorization."
The agency provided this information in response to the Subcommittee’s question about what federal or state law prevents correctional officers at juvenile facilities from knowing information about the juveniles inside the correction facility. The agency pointed to the provision in the policy which states, "juvenile records will be made available to DJJ staff when access is required to provide services to the juvenile, to perform official duties within DJJ, and for authorized research purposes. Records and information on a juvenile are available to and may be shared between DJJ employees with a need to know."
The agency provided this information to the Subcommittee as an example of ways in which security staff are informed about juveniles, while still complying with confidentiality provisions.
The agency provided this information with Agency Policy E-1.5.
Testimony was provided to the Subcommittee during the August 31, 2016 Subcommittee meeting.
Policies the agency stated are related to Case Managers who supervise juveniles on probation, commitment, and parole status:
According to the agency: Below is information related to contracts for the provision of residential services at community-based alternative programs. The contracts consist of the original state Solicitation, the Vender Response, and any post-award Modifications. The agency notes these services are procured through the South Carolina Materials Management Office (MMO), a division of State Procurement. Providers who wish to submit a proposal in response to a solicitation, submit the required information to MMO for consideration. Those that qualify as a vendor of the state who submit the documentation required are awarded a bid and granted a contract.
2021 Issue Study
In 2017, the House Legislative Oversight Committee issued its study of the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). During the study, significant concerns were received from the public which put into question the life, health, and safety of juveniles and employees at DJJ. As part of the Committee’s study, an audit of DJJ was performed by the Legislative Audit Council (LAC). Recently, LAC released an alarming update to its 2017 audit stating, among numerous other things:
1. "DJJ does not maintain sufficient security staff to ensure safety for staff and juveniles." (See p. 1 of the Executive Summary.)
2. "In 2018, DJJ reported to members of the General Assembly that it had implemented 94% of our 74 recommendations. However, we . . . found that only 50% have actually been fully implemented." (See p. 4 of the Executive Summary.)
Given the serious nature of the findings from the LAC follow-up report, pursuant to the authority granted in Committee Rule 6.4, the Oversight Committee Chair modified the current assignment of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Subcommittee to include review of the LAC report on DJJ. In an effort to efficiently receive information from LAC and DJJ administration, he encouraged exploration of the feasibility of holding joint meetings with the Senate Corrections and Penology Subcommittee reviewing the LAC report on DJJ.
+ Meetings and Agency Presentations
Agency presentations during meetings
Individual Meetings
Senate Corrections and Penology Subcommittee reviewing the LAC report on DJJ
Overview of findings and recommendations in Legislative Audit Council Report
A Limited Review of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and Follow Up to Our January 2017 Audit, LAC (April 2021)
Executive Summary
Discussion of agency begins at 0:03 in the archived video
Joint Meeting of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Subcommittee & Senate Corrections and Penology Subcommittee reviewing the LAC report on DJJ
Overview of findings and recommendations in Legislative Audit Council Report
A Limited Review of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice and Follow Up to Our January 2017 Audit, LAC (April 2021)
Executive Summary
Discussion of agency begins at 2:35 in the archived video
Joint Meeting of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Subcommittee & Senate Corrections and Penology Subcommittee reviewing the LAC report on DJJ
Response from DJJ to findings and recommendations in Legislative Audit Council Report
Discussion of agency begins at 2:35 in the archived video
+ Public Input
Note: Input a member of the public provides via a link on the Committee's webpage is posted verbatim as it is received by the Committee. It is not the comments or expression of the House Legislative Oversight Committee, any of its Subcommittees, or the House of Representatives.
+ Correspondence
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| Date of correspondence | From | To | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021.04.29 | Committee Chairman | Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Subcommittee | |
| 2021.04.29 | Committee | Senate Corrections and Penology Subcommittee reviewing the LAC report on DJJ | |
| 2021.05.06 | Committee | DJJ | |
| 2021.07.13 | DJJ | Committee | 2021.06.11 letter from Committee |
| Will be updated upon receipt | Legislative Audit Council | Committee | 2021.06.11 letter from Committee |
| 2021.07.13 | State Human Resources Division | Committee | 2021.06.11 letter from Committee |
| 2021.07.30 | Criminal Justice Academy | Committee | 2021.06.11 letter from Committee |
| 2021.10.20 | Committee | DJJ |
+ Additional Agency Details