Ohio to release about 200 from crowded youth prisons

COLUMBUS, Feb. 22, 2008 (AP): About 200 juvenile offenders are expected to be released from Ohio's crowded youth prisons.

The state Department of Youth Services says the release is part of ongoing review process to sort out youth offenders who are at or near the end of their terms but who remain incarcerated to undergo treatment and other programming.

Most of those released over the coming months would be allowed to return home under parole supervision.

A report issued in December by an independent consultant found that Ohio’s youth prisons are crowded, understaffed and fail to educate children behind bars or keep them safe.

A civil rights lawsuit over conditions at the juvenile centers is pending in federal court.

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com