The scandal deepens -- and sickens me even more.

The Texas Youth Commission referred more than 6,600 cases of abuse and neglect to local law enforcement authorities during the past six years, but only 18 cases have been prosecuted.

Last year, TYC investigators confirmed 13 cases in which juveniles were sexually abused by staff members and none was prosecuted by local authorities.

Two of the three youth-on-youth sexual abuse cases confirmed by TYC in 2006 were passed over by local law enforcement.

The outcome of the cases that were prosecuted could not be determined Monday night.

These figures, gathered from TYC and included in a report from House Corrections Chairman Rep. Jerry Madden, R-Plano, highlight what advocates for juvenile offenders have been saying since the TYC sex scandal erupted more than a week ago: The failure to protect juveniles from abuse extends far beyond the jailers.

"This speaks to the need for independent oversight," said Isela Gutierrez, coordinator for the Texas Coalition Advocating Justice for Juveniles.

TYC spokesman Tim Savoy said cases of abuse and neglect can range from a love note from a corrections officer to a student to injury of a child who has to be restrained to an actual sex act between an adult staff member and a TYC student.

The agency's sex scandal showed no signs of fading Monday.

Prosecutions need to happen much more often, if these reports are true -- an I truly believe there is a need to consider impeachment for the governor if it can be shown he knew about this situation and did nothing while allowing perps to be promoted.

Posted by: Greg at 11:36 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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