Charleston, February 4, 2026
The Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center has concluded a significant five-year civil lawsuit with a landmark settlement, marking a commitment to improving the care and rehabilitation of detained youth. This resolution recognizes the need for accountability and better oversight of juvenile justice facilities, aiming to support a healthier, more just environment for the youth in Charleston County, ultimately benefiting the broader community and local economy.
Charleston
Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center Reaches Landmark Settlement
A significant five-year civil lawsuit concerning conditions at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center has concluded with a settlement, signaling a renewed commitment to the well-being and rehabilitation of detained youth within our community.
Charleston, SC – In a development underscoring the ongoing commitment to effective local governance and community welfare, a longstanding legal challenge regarding conditions at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center has been formally resolved. This settlement, reached after five years of litigation, highlights the critical role of robust oversight and responsive public institutions in maintaining a stable and just environment. For a vibrant community like Charleston, fostering such foundational elements is paramount, as they indirectly contribute to the overall health of the local economy and support the aspirations of Charleston County economy stakeholders, including Charleston small business owners and South Carolina entrepreneurs.
The resolution reflects an ongoing pursuit of accountability, ensuring that vital public services meet the highest standards. This local action sets a precedent for how the community addresses challenges, striving for solutions that uphold individual dignity while promoting an environment conducive to growth and opportunity across the Lowcountry economic growth landscape.
The Genesis of a Local Challenge
The civil lawsuit, initiated in 2020, was brought forth by Disability Rights SC, an organization formerly known as Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc.. The complaint named the Charleston County School District, the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center, and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office as defendants. Specifically, the lawsuit cited former Charleston County Sheriff J. Al Cannon, Jr., Assistant Sheriff Mitch Lucas, and Chief Deputy Willis Beatty in their official capacities, alongside the Charleston County School District.
The core of the lawsuit’s allegations centered on what were described as unconstitutional conditions experienced by youth, aged 11 to 16 years old, at the facility, particularly at the old detention center which was built in 1967. Documented concerns included prolonged periods of solitary confinement and the punitive use of a “restraint chair” for hours. Disturbingly, reports described a “wet cell”—a small, windowless room, sometimes with only a single floor drain, used for isolation. The lawsuit also alleged instances of excessive force against unarmed children, involving rubber bullets, bean bags, pepper spray, and tasers. Furthermore, detainees reportedly faced confinement to cells for 22 hours daily with minimal access to outdoor recreation, alongside inadequate educational provisions that fell short of the state-required 30 hours per week and lacked individualized instruction for those with special education needs. Allegations of unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, insufficient programming, and inadequate health and mental health care were also part of the complaint. The lawsuit characterized these conditions as “medieval” and indicative of “deliberate indifference toward an allegedly inhumane environment”.
Pursuit of Accountability and Improvement
The litigation, overseen by U.S. District Judge David C. Norton in Charleston, S.C. Federal Court, spanned five years. During this period, there were notable shifts in the operational landscape of juvenile detention in Charleston County. Less than a month after the lawsuit was filed, in August 2020, children were relocated from the 50-year-old facility to the fourth floor of the adult detention center. Subsequently, a new juvenile detention center building opened in 2022. Robert Brunson, an attorney representing Disability Rights SC, acknowledged that conditions had improved significantly since the lawsuit’s inception. The legal team, comprising Charleston partners Robert Brunson, Patrick Wooten, and Andrew Connor, Columbia partner Stuart Andrews, and Charleston paralegal Lauren Lynch from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, in collaboration with co-counsel Annie Andrews, worked to ensure lasting changes and further necessary improvements.
Defining the Path Forward: The Settlement Details
The consent decree, officially signed on December 10, 2025, did not assign liability to any of the named agencies but mandates a comprehensive framework for reform. A central component of the settlement is the appointment of a professional monitor, tasked with ensuring compliance with the new guidelines and overseeing the implementation of agreed-upon changes. This independent oversight mechanism is designed to provide sustained accountability and transparency, essential ingredients for any effective public service operation.
The settlement outlines specific reforms across multiple critical areas. These include new guidelines for assessing immediate medical and mental health needs, providing necessary medications, and ensuring comprehensive education information and suicide prevention measures. Crucially, the agreement mandates limiting the use of force at the facility and reducing room confinement. Detailed standards are set to be maintained in areas such as classification and intake procedures, education and programming, behavior management, staff training, the use of restraints, accommodations for disabilities, and established grievance procedures. These reforms aim to foster an environment that is not only safe and lawful but also trauma-sensitive and compliant with disability regulations for detained youth. The fact that this agreement is now enshrined in a federal court order provides a strong legal basis for its enforcement and ongoing adherence.
Local Leadership and Community Engagement
The resolution of this lawsuit underscores the importance of engaged local leadership. Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie, who assumed his role in January 2025, expressed full support for the measures outlined in the consent decree. His commitment to working closely with the professional monitor signifies a forward-looking approach to accountability and transparency within the Sheriff’s Office, crucial for building public trust and ensuring the effective operation of such a vital facility. This proactive stance by local leaders demonstrates a dedication to continuous improvement, a trait that benefits the entire community and indirectly strengthens the foundation for a flourishing Charleston SC business environment.
For Charleston and the wider Charleston County economy, the efficacy and fairness of public institutions are integral to overall well-being. A community where public services are responsibly managed and held accountable creates a more predictable and stable environment, encouraging private investment and supporting the resilience of Charleston small business ventures. Such an environment also contributes to the development of a capable future workforce, drawing from a population that has received equitable treatment and opportunity.
Broader State Context
While this settlement specifically addresses conditions in Charleston County, it is important to note that discussions and reforms regarding juvenile justice are also occurring at a state level in South Carolina. For instance, the U.S. Department of Justice and the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) reached a separate settlement agreement in April 2022 concerning conditions at the Broad River Road Complex. This statewide agreement aimed to address issues such as physical abuse and prolonged solitary confinement within DJJ facilities. These broader initiatives reflect a statewide conversation about ensuring humane and rehabilitative conditions for all young people in the juvenile justice system, placing the Charleston County settlement within a wider context of ongoing reform efforts in South Carolina.
A Foundation for Future Growth
The settlement regarding the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center represents a significant step towards ensuring that the youth in its care receive treatment consistent with their rights and conducive to rehabilitation. It is a testament to the fact that even in complex areas of public service, sustained advocacy and dedicated leadership can drive meaningful change. By resolving such critical issues locally, Charleston demonstrates its commitment to a responsive governance model. This commitment to justice and well-being strengthens the social fabric, which in turn fosters a resilient and dynamic environment for Charleston SC business, nurtures South Carolina entrepreneurs, and contributes positively to Lowcountry economic growth for generations to come. Readers are encouraged to stay informed about local governance and community initiatives, as informed civic engagement is a cornerstone of our collective progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main issue addressed by the settlement at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center?
The settlement addressed a five-year civil lawsuit concerning alleged unconstitutional living conditions and treatment of detained youth at the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center.
When was the settlement agreement signed?
The consent decree for the settlement was signed on December 10, 2025.
Who filed the lawsuit against the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center?
The lawsuit was filed by Disability Rights SC, formerly known as Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A).
What were some of the alleged conditions that led to the lawsuit?
Allegations included prolonged solitary confinement, use of a “restraint chair” and “wet cell” as punishment, excessive force, lack of outdoor recreation, and inadequate educational and healthcare services for youth aged 11 to 16 years old.
What are the key reforms outlined in the settlement?
The settlement mandates a comprehensive set of reforms including guidelines for medical and mental health care, education, suicide prevention, limiting the use of force and room confinement, and the appointment of a professional monitor to ensure compliance.
Did the settlement assign liability to any of the parties involved?
No, the settlement stopped short of assigning liability to any of the three named agencies: the Charleston County School District, the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center, or the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Features of the Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center Settlement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lawsuit Duration | Five years, initiated in 2020. |
| Settlement Date | Consent decree signed on December 10, 2025. |
| Plaintiff | Disability Rights SC (formerly Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A)). |
| Defendants | Charleston County School District, Charleston County Juvenile Detention Center, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. |
| Alleged Conditions (Old Facility) | Prolonged solitary confinement, “restraint chair” and “wet cell” use, excessive force, 22-hour cell confinement, inadequate education, and health/mental health care. |
| New Facility | A new building opened in 2022; children were moved to the adult detention center’s fourth floor in August 2020. |
| Key Reforms | Comprehensive reforms for medical/mental health care, education, suicide prevention, reduced use of force/room confinement, and detailed standards across various operational areas. |
| Oversight | A professional monitor will ensure compliance with the settlement terms. |
| Liability | No liability was assigned to the named agencies as part of the settlement. |
| Court Jurisdiction | The agreement is enshrined in a federal court. |