Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections - Suicide Prevention and Violence and Abuse Reduction Efforts

The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (Department) has made significant improvements that address serious deficiencies identified by a 2004 federal investigative report in the areas of suicide prevention, violence, and sexual abuse. Specifically, the Department revised its suicide prevention practices to conform to national standards and identified best practices. Department data shows decreased juvenile violence at its facilities. Additionally, the Department has taken some successful steps to address abuse. The Department should continue these efforts by making some minor improvements to its suicide prevention practices, continuing to reduce juvenile violence, and strengthening staff awareness of the appropriate boundaries for staff-juvenile conduct.