Youth Justice and Education Center to allow family visitation once again [Video]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – For the first time since before the pandemic, parents will now be able to visit their children at the Youth Justice and Education Center.

It is a change that leaders have been asking for, saying it is a necessary part of helping to rehabilitate children in detention.

Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says the allowed visitation is a result of them reviewing their practices.

“When we look at rehabilitating our kids, we know an important part of that rehabilitation is keeping kids connected with their families, keeping the kids connected with their parents, and when you look at rehabilitating the child you are looking at rehabilitating the entire family,” Buckner said.

This announcement comes less than two weeks after Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon joined 10 non-profit agencies accusing Sheriff Floyd Bonner and SCSO of denying young offenders parental visits, quality educational opportunities, and activities outside in the sun.

Buckner stressed they had to look over their practices …