Judge rules in juvenile screening case

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Judge rules in juvenile screening case

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - A federal judge has ruled that an eastern Kentucky juvenile facility's screening of naked teens in 2009 was unconstitutional.

In his ruling, U.S. Senior District Judge Karl S. Forester also said a blanket state policy calling for youths to be screened without clothes was constitutional.

The case stems from intake screenings at the Breathitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center, where two half-siblings were taken after being charged with underage drinking.

Lexington attorney Joe Childers, who represents the teens' parents, told the Lexington Herald-Leader that his clients were "elated" at the ruling this month, which is important "for all juveniles who might be arrested for minor offenses in the state."

State officials, who changed the screening policy shortly after the lawsuit was filed, declined to comment. They are appealing the ruling.

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