G.C. v. Coler Settlement Agreement

G.C. v. Coler was a federal, class action lawsuit brought on behalf of children confined at the Broward County Regional Juvenile Detention Center for inadequate and inappropriate conditions of confinement. Children there were subjected to overcrowding, inappropriate placement, unsanitary and dangerous physical conditions, lack of security, lack of adequate staff, abusive punishment including isolation and lack of appropriate education and programming. The settlement agreement ratified by the court on February 17, 1989, provides for implementing detention screening measures, placing a cap on the population, access to counsel, recreation and exercise, access to education, a new isolation policy, a due process/grievance system and staffing requirements.