JHA uncovered and exposed the overmedication of youth in prison

The result? IDJJ changed its medication policies.

During a monitoring visit at a youth correctional facility in 2018, we noticed a youth sleeping in his cell in the middle of the day.  We asked why, and were told that this youth was “adjusting to his medication.”

This situation and response concerned us. So, we continued to ask questions and seek information. What we found out was shocking: Psychiatrists were prescribing Seroquel – a powerful antipsychotic medication with serious side effects and a high potential for abuse – to youth who had been diagnosed with disorders, mostly behavioral, for which the drug had not been approved or proven effective in treating. (This December 2018 article in The Chicago Reporter discusses this topic.)

This is but one example of why our work is so critical. The misuse of this medication was identified because JHA was there – inside the facility, observing conditions and treatment, and asking questions about what we learned and saw. This is the power of oversight. Without independent monitoring of this facility and every other state-run prison in Illinois, who knows how long this dangerous practice would have continued.

In response to JHA’s raising concerns about the misuse of Seroquel, IDJJ administration stated that they were implementing new medication initiatives, noting specifically that “Seroquel prescriptions should decrease significantly.” JHA has continued monitoring IDJJ data and protocols and visiting youth facilities to make sure this change was implemented and continued.  Oversight is an important way we can protect the health of youth in custody.