DES MOINES – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today issued the following statement upon learning the Iowa Supreme Court would hear his appeal of the district court order to reopen the Iowa Juvenile Home, which was found to have mistreated youth and denied them the education they deserve.
“I am encouraged the Iowa Supreme Court has agreed to hear our appeal regarding the Iowa Juvenile Home,” said Branstad. “Since learning about the situation at the Juvenile Home, my utmost concern has been the health, safety and education of the children. We believe the children are now being well-served in licensed and accredited facilities where they are receiving the quality treatment and education they deserve.”
The Iowa Supreme Court’s action stays the decision of the district court. A hearing date has not been set at this time. Gov. Branstad is being represented by the Iowa Attorney General’s office.
A Polk County Judge earlier this month said the Iowa Juvenile Home must be reopened.
In the ruling, Polk County District Court Judge Scott D. Rosenberg said Iowa Governor Terry Branstad went too far in closing the troubled detention center in Toledo, Iowa, where it was discovered in recent months that girls were kept in isolation cells long-term. The state had been sued last month by four legislators and a union after Branstad decided to close the facility.
According to two State Senators, reopening the Iowa Juvenile Home is “good news for Iowa’s troubled children.”
