Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of Juvenile Justice heads the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Department provides individualized care and treatment to youths aged 7 to 21 who have violated the law or are a danger to themselves or to others
The Secretary chairs the Commission on Juvenile Justice Jurisdiction. The Secretary also serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Subcabinet for Children, Youth, and Families; the Cabinet Council on Criminal and Juvenile Justice; the Judges, Masters and Juvenile Justice Committee; the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Justice; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Maryland Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families; the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism; the State's Attorneys Liaison Committee; the State Board of Victim Services; and the Governor's Work Force Investment Board.
Within the Office of the Secretary are Administration; Capital Planning; Policy, Legislation, and Research; and Support Services; as well as units for community outreach, fair practice and risk management, professional development, and legal counsel. Under the Secretary, the Department is organized into three divisions: Field Services; Program Services; and Residential Services. The Office is assisted by the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Justice; the Commission on Juvenile Justice Jurisdiction; the Judges, Masters, and Juvenile Justice Committee; and the State's Attorneys Liaison Committee.
The Board consists of eighteen members appointed by the Governor to three-year terms. The Governor names the chair (Code 1957, Art. 83C, secs. 2-106 through 2-110).
COMMISSION ON JUVENILE JUSTICE JURISDICTION
The Commission is considering the impact of recent changes in juvenile court jurisdiction, and in federal juvenile justice law or jurisdiction. The Commission also uses Department resources to study and document the effects of current and alternative sanctions; incentives; education and special education services; and job opportunities and training programs. Strategies to limit crimes and delinquency of young people are being devised by the Commission.
The Commission consists of twenty-three members. Seven are appointed by the Secretary of Juvenile Justice; three, by the Senate President; three, by the House Speaker; and two, by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Seven serve ex officio, and the Secretary of Juvenile Justice serves as chair (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-133).
FEMALE POPULATION TASK FORCE
JUDGES, MASTERS & JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMITTEE
STATE'S ATTORNEYS LIAISON COMMITTEE
Under Administration are Budget and Finance; Information Technology; and Personnel Management.
BUDGET & FINANCE
Budget and Finance seeks funding for the special needs of children. It started in 1992, when the Department began participating in federal funding initiatives. Under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act, the State receives federal funds to maintain eligible children in foster care (P.L. 96-272).
From February to September 1995, the federal Emergency Services to Families with Children Program reimbursed the State for emergency services provided to needy families in crisis (Social Security Act, Title IV-A; federal Regulation 45CFR233.120). These social services were provided when family emergencies threatened or endangered children. When federal funding stopped, the State program ceased.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Field Services Division originated as the Court Services Division. Reorganized in 1988 as the Direct Care Services Division, it was renamed the Field Services Division in 1989.
To administer intake, probation, and aftercare for delinquent youth, the State is divided into seven areas with local field offices serving each county and Baltimore City. Youths who break the law or exhibit uncontrollable behavior enter the juvenile justice system through these local offices.
Young people may be referred to a local office of juvenile justice by law enforcement agencies, other government agencies, parents, or concerned citizens. Following referral, an intake officer assesses the youth and determines the most appropriate course of action. The intake officer may recommend formal court proceedings; place the minor on voluntary informal supervision for up to 90 days; dismiss the youth with a warning; or disapprove a case for insufficient evidence.
Through intake services, the Division decides for each minor whether court proceedings are appropriate. The Division also recommends to the court whether adjudicated delinquents should be placed on probation, in a day program, or committed to a residential facility. During probation and throughout the youth's stay at a residential facility, the Division maintains contact with a juvenile's case manager. Minors are monitored in a similar fashion after their release.
In 1989, the Program Services Division was established as the Program Support Services Division. It became the Program Services Division in 1990. The Division merged in 1992 with the Administrative Services Division to form the Administrative and Program Services Division. In 1996, administrative services were assigned to Administration (under the Deputy Secretary), and the Division resumed its former name.
The Program Services Division helps develop, implement, and monitor programs provided by private contractors to youth under the care and custody of the Department. The Division places juveniles in residential and nonresidential programs, coordinates substance abuse treatment, and licenses and certifies service providers to the Department. It also obtains grants, and develops programs eligible for funding through federal entitlement.
Under the Division are four programs: Grants and Program Development; Placement and Resource Management; Special Programs; and Standards and Compliance.
As part of the intake process, most minors entering the juvenile justice system are screened for alcohol and drug abuse at a Department field office in their county or Baltimore City. Field offices refer youth to public and private, inpatient and outpatient treatment. Youths detained while awaiting trial are assessed for drug and alcohol addiction by a counselor who may recommend treatment. Most facilities that receive youth upon court order offer treatment. Some have drug and alcohol treatment components, while others are dedicated to young addicts. Youth on probation are referred to outpatient services at local health departments.
To ensure compliance with contracts and federal and State regulations, Standards and Compliance oversees those private firms licensed or certified by the Department to provide residential and nonresidential services for troubled youth. For each program, this office develops an annual monitoring plan. Staff then visit each site to check physical plants; conduct investigations; verify any corrective acts taken to comply with State and federal regulations; interview staff and students; and observe programs.
Residential programs are licensed by the Department every two years. On the off-year, Standards and Compliance audits each program and issues a report for each facility.
Under contract with the Department, private firms operate three residential centers: Victor Cullen Academy; Charles H. Hickey, Jr., School; and O'Farrell Youth Center.
VICTOR CULLEN ACADEMY
Opened in September 1992, Victor Cullen Academy is a secure commitment facility for delinquent boys in northwest Frederick County. The Academy is a State facility operated by a private firm under contract with the Department.
Cullen Academy treats up to 184 teenage boys who stay an average of six months. It offers intensive vocational education. A six-week culinary arts class readies graduates for jobs in restaurants and hotels, and with catering firms. A thoroughbred horse-breeding program prepares youth for employment in the State's racing industry.
Academy origins date to 1908 when the State Sanatorium for tuberculosis patients was established on the site. Placed under the Department of Health in 1949, the Sanatorium was renamed Victor Cullen State Hospital after Victor F. Cullen, M.D., a former member of the State Board of Health. The Hospital reorganized in 1965 as the Victor Cullen School, a training or reform school for boys under the State Department of Public Welfare (Chapter 818, Acts of 1965). The School transferred in 1967 to the Juvenile Services Administration, and in 1974, as the Victor Cullen Center, to what became the Developmental Disabilities Administration of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Center closed in 1991, reopened under the Department of Juvenile Services as the Victor Cullen Academy in 1992, and since 1995 has continued under the Department of Juvenile Justice.
CHARLES H. HICKEY, JR., SCHOOL
The Charles H. Hickey, Jr., School began in 1850 as the House of Refuge on Frederick Avenue in Baltimore City (Chapter 374, Acts of 1849). It was an early effort to separate children from adult criminals in jails. Renamed the Maryland School for Boys, it moved in 1910 to its present site near Loch Raven in northern Baltimore County. In 1918, it became the Maryland Training School for Boys (Chapter 300, Acts of 1918). Adopted in 1985, the School's present name honors a former Baltimore County sheriff (Chapter 245, Acts of 1985).
For youth awaiting trial, the Hickey School is a detention center. For young people committed by the court, it is a training school. Short-term commitment is provided for less serious offenses; longer incarceration, for more serious or multiple offenses. The School cares for and treats some 300 delinquent boys and young men, ages 15 to 17, from across Maryland (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-117). Since September 1991, the School has been run by private firms under contract with the Department.
O'FARRELL YOUTH CENTER
From its opening in 1986, O'Farrell Youth Center has been operated by private firms under contract with the Department. The Center is located in Carroll County.
The Center treats drug dealers and juveniles who have committed crimes against people and property. It holds up to forty boys: chronic offenders, ages 13 to 18. They stay an average of nine months in a secure residence.
The Center promotes responsible behavior. Upon discharge, former residents participate in a six-month program to help them avoid crime after rejoining the community. A set of goals is defined for each youth. Usually, this involves a job, school, or work-study leading to a high school diploma. Getting along with parents and siblings is another common aim, while some seek outpatient counseling or treatment. Progress in meeting goals is monitored and may involve participation by the supervising case manager.
The Residential Services Division started in 1987 as the Institution and Detention Services Division. It became the Facilities and Residential Services Division in 1989 and reorganized as the Residential Services Division in 1992.
The Division oversees State residences for youth committed or detained by the court. Serving committed juveniles are two community-based facilities in Baltimore City and four youth centers in Western Maryland. Four detention centers hold minors awaiting trial or disposition. The Division also is responsible statewide for transporting youth between court and State facilities.
For youth committed by the courts, the Residential Services Division runs six residential facilities. They are the Maryland Youth Residence Center and the William Donald Schaefer House in Baltimore City, and four Youth Centers in Western Maryland.
The Maryland Youth Residence Center opened in 1972 as a residence for delinquent boys committed by the court. In June 1994, it was converted to a shelter care facility for up to thirty boys, ages 12 to 18. Under the Shelter Care Program, boys who need supervision but are not deemed dangerous are housed here while they await a court hearing or placement in another residence. The Center provides them with education, recreation, medical services, and individual, group and family counseling. The Center also houses up to twelve boys, ages 16 to 18, who attend the Living Classroom Program, which prepares them for employment in maritime trades.
WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER HOUSE
Opened in 1972, the Group Home for Boys was renamed for Governor William Donald Schaefer in April 1992. Its program is designed for young men, ages 14 to 18, with a history of drug and alcohol abuse. Located in a residential community, the House prepares them for independent living. Upon release, youth enter treatment programs in the community for their addictions.
YOUTH CENTERS
The Department of Juvenile Justice operates four Youth Centers in Western Maryland. Youth Centers serve older boys committed by various State courts and jurisdictions (Chapter 370, Acts of 1955). To be eligible for a youth center, boys must be at least 14 years of age and in good physical health. At Youth Centers, they live and work outdoors. Group activities are stressed, including group counseling and discussion, and working well in groups is an important goal of treatment.
The Youth Centers began in 1955 as Boys Forestry Camps. They were renamed Youth Centers by the Board of Public Works on September 20, 1977. The Centers and the Washington County Holdover Facility are administered in Cumberland (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-117).
In response to a federal initiative to move minors out of jails for adults, Maryland erected two holdover facilities in the late 1970s. One closed in 1991 due to cost containment. The Washington County Holdover Facility, however, still confines alleged or adjudicated juvenile delinquents. Detention in a holdover facility is limited to less than 72 hours.
In 1964, the General Assembly appropriated funds to establish a forestry camp at Backbone Mountain in Garrett County with room for thirty-five boys (Chapter 159, Acts of 1964). The Camp opened in May 1966. It was renamed Backbone Mountain Youth Center in 1977. Initiated in 1996, the Leadership Challenge Program (known as boot camp) ended at Backbone Mountain in December 1999.
GREEN RIDGE YOUTH CENTER
In May 1955, Green Ridge Youth Center started as Green Ridge Forestry Camp for Boys in Allegany County. Originally, the Camp was run by the State Department of Public Welfare in cooperation with the State Department of Forests and Parks. In 1977, the Camp was renamed Green Ridge Youth Center. Located outside of Flintstone, the Center accommodates thirty-five boys.
MAPLE RUN YOUTH CENTER
The 1965 General Assembly appropriated funds to establish a forestry camp at Maple Run in the Green Ridge State Forest, Allegany County (Chapter 743, Acts of 1965). The Camp opened in April 1967 with facilities for thirty-five boys. The Camp was renamed Maple Run Youth Center in 1977.
MEADOW MOUNTAIN YOUTH CENTER
Meadow Mountain Youth Center formed as Meadow Mountain Forestry Camp for Boys in June 1958 (Chapter 454, Acts of 1957). The Camp reopened as Meadow Mountain Youth Center in October 1984. In Garrett County, the Center has facilities for thirty boys. Its Leadership Challenge Program (known as boot camp), started in 1998, concluded in December 1999.
The Residential Services Division oversees four detention centers: J. DeWeese Carter Center; Cheltenham Youth Facility; Alfred D. Noyes Children's Center; and Thomas J. S. Waxter Children's Center.
In rural Kent County, the J. DeWeese Carter Center is a secure detention facility for fifteen youths (from as young as age 9 to as old as age 18). The Center provides emergency detention facilities to the nine counties of the Eastern Shore (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-117). Opened in August 1982, it was named for Judge J. DeWeese Carter (1904-1977), who served on the Court of Special Appeals from 1971 to 1973.
CHELTENHAM YOUTH FACILITY
The Cheltenham Youth Facility originated in 1870 as the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children (Chapter 392, Acts of 1870). In 1937, it became the Cheltenham School for Boys (Chapter 70, Acts of 1937). The School was renamed Boys' Village of Maryland in 1949 (Chapter 692, Acts of 1949). In May 1991, a unit for girls was transferred to the facility from the Charles H. Hickey, Jr., School. Boys' Village of Maryland was renamed Cheltenham Youth Facility in 1992 (Chapter 8, Acts of 1992).
In Prince George's County, Cheltenham consists of several cottages on a semi-rural campus. The Facility provides for the care and detention of some 125 youths (from as young as age 12 to as old as age 18), awaiting trial or court disposition from Baltimore City, and Prince George's, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-117). Another program shelters twenty delinquent youth who need supervision but are not deemed dangerous to themselves or others.
ALFRED D. NOYES CHILDREN'S CENTER
The Alfred D. Noyes Children's Center was authorized in 1970 (Chapter 101, Acts of 1970; Chapter 179, Acts of 1972, as modified in the General Construction Loan Act of 1974). It was named for Alfred D. Noyes, the Judge for Juvenile Causes in Montgomery County at the time of the Center's creation.
Opened in September 1977, the Center is a secure regional detention facility for youths from Montgomery and western Maryland counties. Located in a semi-urban part of Montgomery County, it can serve forty young people (from as young as age 8 to as old as age 18) (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-117).
THOMAS J. S. WAXTER CHILDREN'S CENTER
Opened in November 1963, the Thomas J. S. Waxter Children's Center then was called the Southern Maryland Children's Center (Chapter 38, Acts of 1962). The Center was renamed in 1963 to honor Thomas J. S. Waxter, the Director of the State Department of Public Welfare from 1953 until his death in 1962. (Chapter 131, Acts of 1963).
The Waxter Children's Center is a facility for juvenile detention. It houses some sixty-two minors (from as young as age 8 to as old as age 14). It also houses a young women's program offering secure commitment for up to twenty-eight girls. Located in a semi-rural part of Anne Arundel County, the Center serves Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George's counties, and Baltimore City (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-117).
Educational Services receives funding from and is subject to rules and regulations of the State Department of Education. To receive federal funds, it provides special education that meets the needs of disadvantaged youth. Most facilities also offer vocational training.
Many youth entering Department facilities have behaved irresponsibly and face complex health problems, such as chronic untreated medical conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, illnesses related to drug or alcohol abuse, tuberculosis, teenage pregnancy, or a poor self-image. Health Services teaches youth to prevent disease and take responsibility for their health.
Health Services also provides clinical, managerial and administrative guidance to health service personnel in Department facilities and programs. The nurse manager at Health Services advises nurses at juvenile facilities on treatment. The nurse manager also tracks youth from one juvenile facility to another, monitoring their health care. For physicians who treat youth in the Department's care, and for pharmacy and medical laboratory services provided to these youth, Health Services writes and manages contracts. It also oversees intergovernmental agreements for health care to youth in Department facilities. In addition, Health Services monitors expenditures for services and organizes continuing education seminars for clinicians.
STATE ADVISORY BOARD FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE
The State Advisory Board for Juvenile Justice started in 1966 as the State Advisory Board of Juvenile Services (Chapter 126, Acts of 1966). In 1987, it was renamed the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services and, in 1995, received its present name (Chapter 290, Acts of 1987; Chapter 8, Acts of 1995). The Board recommends to the Secretary of Juvenile Justice policies and programs to improve State juvenile services. The Board helps plan development and use of resources and helps inform the public of the work of the Department.
The Commission on Juvenile Justice Jurisdiction formed within the Department of Juvenile Justice in October 1998 (Chapter 464, Acts of 1998).
The Female Population Task Force was created by the Secretary of Juvenile Services in April 1992. The Task Force demographically defined young women offenders and formed a plan to improve services to them. A report issued in September 1993 contained the plan. Meeting monthly, the Task Force now monitors the implementation of its recommendations and serves as an advisory board for statewide issues concerning young women offenders.
To create a formal means of communication between the Department and the courts, the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the Director of the Juvenile Services Agency formed the Judicial Liaison Committee in 1990. In 1996, it was renamed Judges, Masters and Juvenile Justice Committee. Members meet to discuss common problems, resource needs, policy decisions, and legislative recommendations. The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals appoints the judicial representation. The Secretary of Juvenile Justice appoints representatives of the Department. The chair alternates yearly between the Chief Judge and the Secretary, who serve ex officio.
The State's Attorneys Liaison Committee was formed in 1991 by the President of the State's Attorneys Association and the Secretary of Juvenile Services to enhance cooperation between the Department and State's Attorneys. The Committee first met in January 1992. Originally, members were chosen by the Secretary and the Association President. Now, the Committee is self-perpetuating.ADMINISTRATION
Administration started as the Budget and Management Division in 1987. Renamed the Administrative Services Division in 1990, it merged in 1992 with the Program Services Division to form the Administrative and Program Services Division. In 1996, program services were assigned to the Program Services Division and the office of Administration was created to manage administrative functions.
Budget and Finance began as Special Programs and reorganized as Specialized Operations in 1996. Functions of Specialized Operations were assigned to Budget and Finance in January 1997.
Information Technology operates and maintains the Department's client database (ISYS). This office provides technical assistance on all computer-related matters, and supports, procures, and maintains the Department's personal computers and associated applications. For the year 2000, Information Technology set up a statewide computer network to enhance communication capabilities and support a new work flow system.
FIELD SERVICES DIVISION
One Center Plaza
120 West Fayette St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
COMMUNITY DETENTION & ELECTRONIC MONITORING
For youth awaiting court trial or review, Community Detention and Electronic Monitoring is an alternative to incarceration. Juveniles may remain at home in their community under intensive supervision by daily face-to-face or telephone contact and through surveillance by electronic monitoring.
PROGRAM SERVICES DIVISION
One Center Plaza
120 West Fayette St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
GRANTS & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Grants and Program Development was created as Program and Contract Development in October 1992 and received its present name in 1998. The unit defines programs and contract specifications for services provided by the private sector. These services include management of residential facilities and community detention; and counseling, drug treatment, mentoring, and community service programs.
PLACEMENT & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Placement and Resource Management secures placements for juveniles in residential and nonresidential programs. At area offices of juvenile justice throughout Maryland, the unit's resource coordinators meet with case managers to assess a child's needs for education, socialization, and health services and to determine which Department program best meets these needs while protecting public safety. The unit monitors the case until the minor is accepted into a program, and placement and other services are funded.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Special Programs formed in 1991 as Substance Abuse Program Services. In 1996, it reorganized first as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, and then as Special Services in October 1996. This unit oversees drug screening, referral, assessment, counseling, and treatment for juvenile offenders.
STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE
Standards and Compliance began as separate units for residential and nonresidential monitoring. They combined in 1993 as Residential and Nonresidential Monitoring. In July 1993, the unit was renamed Program Monitoring and, in 1996, Standards and Compliance.
6000 Cullen Drive
Sabillasville, MD 21780
2400 Cub Hill Road
Baltimore, MD 21234
7960 Henryton Road
Marriottsville, MD 21103
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES DIVISION
One Center Plaza
120 West Fayette St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION
Statewide Transportation conveys youth from State residences to the courts and back again.COMMITTED & DETENTION PROGRAMS
Committed and Detention Programs began as Residential Programs and reorganized as Committed Programs in 1992. It adopted its current name in 1996.
COMMITTED PROGRAMS
MARYLAND YOUTH RESIDENCE CENTER
721 Woodbourne Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21212
907-909 Druid Park Lake Drive
Baltimore, MD 21217
Headquarters 326-328
Queen City Drive
Cumberland, MD 21501 - 1400
WASHINGTON COUNTY HOLDOVER FACILITY
201 North Jonathan St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
BACKBONE MOUNTAIN YOUTH CENTER
Route 1
124 Camp 4 Road
Swanton, MD 21562
P. O. Box 51
Fifteen Mile Creek Road
Flintstone, MD 21530 - 0051
P. O. Box 104
Jacobs Road
Flintstone, MD 21530 - 0104
234 Recovery Road
Grantsville, MD 21535 - 0075
DETENTION CENTERS
Detention centers hold minors awaiting trial or placement in a residential program. These youth are either alleged or adjudicated delinquents. Some are quite young. They require detention (i.e. locked confinement), because they pose a danger to themselves or others, need close supervision, or might leave the jurisdiction of the court.
J. DeWEESE CARTER CENTER
P. O. Box 229
Scheeler Road
Chestertown, MD 21620 - 0229
P. O. Box 160
11001 Frank Tippett Road
Cheltenham, MD 20623 - 0160
9925 Blackwell Road
Rockville, MD 20850
375 Red Clay Road, SW
Laurel, MD 20724 - 9786
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Educational Services administers and supervises education programs for youth placed in detention and residential facilities of the Department. The unit offers instruction in English, math, science, social studies, physical education, music and art, remedial reading and math; and prepares students for the General Education Development (G.E.D.) test.
HEALTH SERVICES
Health Services coordinates and oversees health care for youth admitted to the Department's care and custody. Medical services include an assessment of immediate medical needs by a nurse, a physical examination and health history, immunizations, laboratory tests, dietary services, dental care, sick care, and emergency treatment.
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland at a Glance
Maryland Manual On-Line
Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us