United States: More than 1,000 children's graves discovered near former juvenile centers

More than 1,000 children who died in juvenile facilities have been found buried on dozens of sites in the United States. According to an investigation published Wednesday by Northwest Public Broadcasting, researchers from Georgetown University are now trying to identify these young victims and find their descendants.

Research carried out as part of the Forgotten Children Initiative made it possible to locate graves linked to 40 former juvenile reform or detention centers spread across 29 American states. The assessment of more than 1,000 graves remains provisional as investigations continue.

Children dying of diseases

The largest site identified is in Cheltenham, Maryland, near Washington. More than 230 black boys are believed to be buried near the former House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, established in 1870. Some were only a few years old when they were placed there. Minors could be sent there not only for offenses but also because they were poor, homeless or orphans.

The archives studied also report particularly harsh conditions. Boys were forced to work and some were sent to farms. Deaths were reportedly attributed to illnesses such as tuberculosis or influenza.

Many states have opened investigations

This discovery has led several states to re-examine this part of their history. In Maryland, a commission was created this year to identify the children buried at Cheltenham and determine the future of the site.

Our file on the United States

Florida has established a $20 million fund for survivors of a former reform school, while Arkansas has created a memorial to 21 black boys who died in a correctional facility fire in 1959.