Children were beaten, encouraged to fight at state-funded AL facility, lawsuits claim

Author: Alex Gladden, Montgomery Advertiser

Facilities mentioned: Camp SAYLA

Trigger warnings: graphic description of physical child abuse, restraints, isolation, humiliating punishments

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Two lawsuits accuse Camp SAYLA, an Alabama youth facility, of physical abuse and neglect. The suits name staff member Kenyatta Danzey, alleging he harmed children and encouraged violence among residents. Plaintiffs Jamarion Bullock and Pamela Boone’s child claim the abuse was ignored by staff. Attorney Tommy James argues such misconduct is widespread in state-funded facilities. The Alabama Department of Youth Services suspended Camp SAYLA’s license after investigations but later reinstated it. The facility is currently inactive.