Transgender Teen's Suicide Prompts Policy Review

Charles Knowles this month killed himself while detained at Long Creek Youth Development Center

Maine's corrections commissioner says state and federal experts will review policies and procedures following the suicide of a transgender boy. 

Charles Knowles this month killed himself while detained at Long Creek Youth Development Center. His mother has said that he didn't receive the clinical mental health treatment he needed because he was temporarily held. 

Maine Department of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Fitzpatrick called the death a "tragedy'' and said it was the first death of a young resident in two decades. 

He said Long Creek staff will continue to provide emotional support and treatment to children at the facility. 

The commissioner said he is legally bound from commenting on an ongoing investigation. But he said the facility provides comprehensive mental health treatment to all young people, both detained and committed. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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