Wisconsin’s John Doe probe into allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct at the state prison for boys and girls has ended. The reason – Governor Walker signed a bill into law last year that limits John Does. They must end within six months, unless state prosecutors successfully request an extension; they did not. So only the federal investigation will continue at Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for girls.
In the meantime, Milwaukee County is pushing forward with a plan to remove its juveniles from the two facilities. Yet challenges exist, the system already appears overcrowded and understaffed.
And racial disparities persist - the relatively high rate of black kids in detention compared with their white counterparts.
But WUWM’s LaToya Dennis learned the system is working to eliminate the problem. She spoke with Tom Wanta, newly-retired administrator of Delinquency and Court Services.
