LIÊN HỆ: Amy Kobeta, PCCY
amyk@childrenfirstpa.org, 347‐607‐1058 mobile
DELCO ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN ADD THEIR VOICE TO CALL FOR MORE REFORMS
Vacating Lima Detention Center Just the First Step to Protecting Kids in Care
PHILADELPHIA (April 16, 2021)—Twenty organizations and many prominent individuals in Delaware County are sending a list of six demands to county and state leaders to ensure that the abuse that occurred at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center in Lima never happens again. Vacating Lima was just the first step to protecting young people, and advocates will be detailing what county and state officials must do to stop incarcerating children and, to the extent that they are, ensure they are in safe and supportive environments.
WHO:
- Alexia Clarke, Executive Director, Chester Community Coalition (invited)
- Ashley Dolceamore, Co‐Founder, Delco Resists (invited)
- Laurie T. Dow, Vulnerable Youth Policy Director, PCCY
- Dr. Joan Duvall‐Flynn, Chair, Trauma Informed Education Coalition (invited)
- Eileen Kemske, Director of Social Services,
- Community Action Agency of Delaware County (invited)
- Leigh Anne McKelvey, Executive Director, CASA Youth Advocates (invited)
- Alyssa Poole, Chief of the Juvenile Unit, Office of the Delaware County Public Defender
WHEN: Monday, April 19, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Steps of the Delaware County Courthouse, 201 W Front St, Media
The Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center in Lima was vacated by order of County President Judge Kevin Kelly in March 2021 after the Public Defender’s Office wrote to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services detailing allegations of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse by staff. Lima is a county‐run youth detention facility for youth ages 10 to 18. The facility was vacated but not formally closed.