Maryland Department of Juvenile Services screening initiatives across state reduce unnecessary detention

Models such as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative and the Detention Risk Assessment Instrument aim to eliminate biases — such as race or hometown — when kids are screened for entry to the system.

Rise In Suicidal Behavior At Waxter Girls’ Detention Center

The Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit’s 2013 annual report indicated a 56 percent spike in suicide ideation and attempts from youth serving time at Waxter.

Conditions at Juvenile Facility Deteriorate Despite High Hopes

Conditions at the J. DeWeese Carter Children’s Center, where girls committed to the Department of Juvenile Services were moved, have deteriorated within the past month, said an independent monitor.