Eldora shows systemic problems at play

There is no denying the citizens of Iowa, by proxy of their government, have failed to adequately address the needs of a certain segment of at-risk youth. As such shortcomings are embraced and acknowledged, there must be a switch of mindset in order to address systemic challenges.

Roughly 330 delinquent boys, ages 12 to 18, are served each year at the State Training School in Eldora, which provides treatment, education and residential housing following court-ordered stays. Most of the boys sent to Eldora, which averages 125 residents at any given time, already have experienced multiple out-of-home placements, such as institutionalized care or foster families. In addition, about half of the boys who come to the school are eligible for special education, something the state and a disabilities non-profit say the boys have been denied. The non-profit also has called for further investigation of how isolation use at the facility has impacted education services.

Both the Eldora facility and Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo, which is now shuttered by order of Gov. Terry Branstad and embroiled in a court battle, fall under the purview of the Iowa Department of Human Services, but are not required to be inspected or accredited by the state.

According to the Iowa Code, supervisory or examining powers are distinctly held by the governor and any committee he may appoint. 'The administrator to whom primary responsibility of a particular institution has been assigned shall make reports to the director of human services as are requested by the director and the director shall report, in writing, to the governor any abuses found to exist in any of the institutions.”

If such a system exists, it is obviously inadequate and must be replaced by one offering transparency and accountability of officials.

We urge the governor to keep his powder dry as even he must realize the Toledo investigation, improvements and ultimate closure did not address the larger issues facing this vulnerable demographic.

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