A disturbance at The Department of Juvenile Justice Complex on Broad River Road has left one staff member and one youth injured. At around 9am, multiple youths at DJJ’s Birchwood School broke away from their campus and assaulted a staff member. The youths also confiscated hammers and damaged multiple vehicles and other property during the disturbance.
DJJ says that there were no fractures or major injuries to the youths involved but that two individuals were taken to the hospital.
A statement from Director Hendrick today says staff were notified of a teen possibly armed with a loaded gun at the facility, after the 13-year-old had already been patted down, showered and changed into facility clothes. Staff immediately responded and took the weapon.
Hendrick served as acting director starting in September 2021, after Freddie Pough resigned.
Governor Henry McMaster says Freddie Pough resigned from his position as director of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.
Those looking for a job within state government can attend a hiring event with the Department of Juvenile Justice tomorrow. According to officials, they are looking to fill several Juvenile Corrections Officer positions.
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Employees at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice walked off the job this morning. Some teachers and security staff stood outside the facility, saying they’ve had enough with the long hours, pay and poor working conditions. DJJ Director Freddie Pough spoke with protesters for a little over an hour outside DJJ Friday afternoon. Gov. McMaster acknowledged their are issues in the department but said a walk out is not the way to go about achieving change.
Employees at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice have walked off the job this morning.
Wednesday, Governor Henry McMaster announced that $12 million of the GEER Fund will go to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. The governor says the funds will be used to help expand the juvenile delinquency prevention programs.
