Officials have declared a public health emergency at an overcrowded Detroit-area jail for kids, a step that could lead to improved staffing and more services. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans says “extraordinary action” is necessary. Evans has been pleading with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to help solve the problem. A statewide shortage of residential facilities means kids who have already appeared in court remain stuck in the county juvenile lockup. Police are investigating allegations that a 12-year-old boy was sexually assaulted by other youths. He was released to his family last week. The state has said it is adding beds at state-run sites in northern Michigan and setting aside $3 million to a contractor to add beds in Highland Park.
