An unusual decision to put a transgender girl at a Connecticut women's prison is sparking a heated debate over how to handle a teenager called dangerous by the state but portrayed as vulnerable by her attorney.
A judge sent the 16-year-old to York Correctional Institution this month at the request of the Department of Children and Families.
The girl's attorney says putting a juvenile in an adult prison violates federal law and puts her safety at risk.
DCF Commissioner Joette Katz says the girl was moved from DCF to Correction Department custody after she assaulted other girls and staff members.
The girl is identified in court papers as Jane Doe. She says she's suffered relentless sexual abuse.
She was born male but identifies as female and has undergone hormone treatment.
