Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women

New York, buffeted by the economic meltdown and facing billions in deficits, is spending $1.7 million in taxpayer money to keep open and staff a western New York juvenile detention facility that has no residents.

The Great Valley Residential Center in Cattaraugus County was chosen for closure by the Office of Children and Family Services in January of this year, but was saved by state lawmakers during budget negotiations in April.

OCFS officials say there are fewer youth now in the state system - nearly 500 empty beds - as the agency moves from a residential model toward a more community-based approach. An OCFS official described the situation at Great Valley as "absurd," blaming lawmakers and union leaders for the incredulous circumstances.