DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE SERVICES

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of Juvenile Services heads the Department of Juvenile Services. 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

One Plaza Center, 120 West Fayette St., Baltimore, Maryland, April 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

The Secretary of Juvenile Services serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Subcabinet for Children, Youth, and Families; and the Cabinet Council on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. The Secretary also is a member of the Advisory Board on After-School Opportunity Programs; the Cease Fire Council; the State Child Fatality Review Team; the Correctional Training Commission; the Judges, Masters and Juvenile Justice Committee; the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services; the Coordinating Council for Juvenile Services Educational Programs; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Maryland Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families; the Maryland School-Based Health Center Policy Advisory Council; the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism; the State's Attorneys Liaison Committee; and the State Board of Victim Services.

Within the Office of the Secretary are the principal counsel and the Chief of Staff.

Under the Secretary, the Department is organized by two main functions: Administration, and Operations. The Office of the Secretary is assisted by the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services; the Female Population Task Force; the Judges, Masters, and Juvenile Justice Committee; and the State's Attorneys Liaison Committee.

STATE ADVISORY BOARD FOR JUVENILE SERVICES
The State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services formed 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, as the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Justice (Chapter 290, Acts of 1987; Chapter 8, Acts of 1995). In July 2003, it again became the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services (Chapter 53, Acts of 2003). The Board recommends to the Secretary of Juvenile Services 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.

Appointed by the Governor to three-year terms, the Board consists of eighteen members. The Governor names the chair (Code 1957, Art. 83C, secs. 2-106 through 2-110).

JUVENILE JUSTICE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council formed in 1984 as an independent unit (Executive Order 01.01.1984.08). The Council replaced the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, first appointed by the Governor in 1980 to comply with the requirements of the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-415, 42 U.S.C., sec. 5633 (a)). In 1987, the Council was placed under the Juvenile Services Agency (Executive Order 01.01.1987.21). The Council became part of the Governor's Office in 1988 (Executive Order 01.01.1988.01). As a subcommittee of the Governor's Advisory Board for Justice Administration, the Council reformed in 1992 (Executive Order 01.01.1992.02). In 1995, the Council transferred to the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention (Executive Order 01.01.1995.18) and, in June 2002, to the Department of Juvenile Justice, now the Department of Juvenile Services (Executive Order 01.01.2002.02).

The Council advises the Governor and State agencies on the juvenile justice system and prevention of juvenile delinquency. The Council also is the designated State agency to receive formula grant funds under provisions of the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-415), as amended by the Juvenile Justice Amendments of 1992 (P.L. 102-586). In accordance with the federal act, the Council develops an annual plan, establishes grant procedures, and awards grants to State and local government agencies for projects that support juvenile justice and prevent delinquency.

The Council consists of from fifteen to thirty-three members appointed by the Governor to three-year terms. The Governor names the chair.

FEMALE POPULATION TASK FORCE
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. That plan was contained in their report issued in September 1993. Meeting monthly, the Task Force now monitors the implementation of its recommendations, ensures that the Department provides specialized services to the girls in its care, and serves as an advisory board for statewide issues concerning young women offenders.

JUDGES, MASTERS & JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMITTEE
To fashion 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 Services appoints representatives of the Department. The chair alternates yearly between the Chief Judge and the Secretary, who serve ex officio.

STATE'S ATTORNEYS LIAISON COMMITTEE
The State's Attorneys Liaison Committee was initiated 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

BUDGET & FINANCE
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. In 2002, it was renamed Fiscal Planning and Management, and in March 2004, became Budget and Finance. This office oversees Accounting; Budget; and Risk Management.

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.

DEPARTMENTAL SUPPORT

Under Departmental Support are Facility Management; Human Resources; Information Technology; and Procurement.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology formed as Information Technology and became Information Technology and Telecommunications in 2000. As Information Technology, it was placed under Administration in March 2004.

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.

EQUAL JUSTICE & POLICY

DISPROPORTIONATE MINORITY CONTACT
Disproportionate Minority Contact organized under Equal Justice and Policy in March 2004.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
In March 2004, Intergovernmental Relations formed under Equal Justice and Policy. For the special needs of children, Intergovernmental Relations seeks funding. This responsibility started in 1992, when the Department began participating in federal funding initiatives. Under the federal Social Security Act (Title IV-E), the State receives federal funds to maintain eligible children in foster care (P.L. 96-272).

POLICY & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Policy and Program Development was established under Equal Justice and Policy in March 2004. Its policy function came from Professional Standards, created under the Office of Professional Responsibility and Accountability in July 2000. Its other component transferred from Research and Program Development, which started as Program and Contract Development in October 1992, became Grants and Program Development in 1998, and Research and Program Development in 2003.

It 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.

RESEARCH & PLANNING
In March 2004, the research function from Research and Program Development became Research and Planning under Equal Justice and Policy.

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY

Under the Office are Audit and Compliance; Child Advocacy; and Investigations.

AUDIT & COMPLIANCE
Audit and Compliance began as separate units for residential and nonresidential monitoring called Standards and Compliance. They combined in 1993 as Residential and Nonresidential Monitoring. In July 1993, the unit was renamed Program Monitoring and, in 1996, Standards and Compliance. It transferred from Admissions to the Office of Professional Responsibility and Accountability in 2000 as Management Services and Quality Assurance. In July 2002, it reorganized under its present name.

To ensure compliance with contracts and federal and State regulations, Audit 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, Audit and Compliance audits each program and issues a report for each facility.

OPERATIONS

Operations organized as Restorative Justice Operations in 2000, reorganized in January 2002 as Admissions and Community Justice, and reverted to its original name in January 2003. It restructured as Programs in March 2004, and as Operations in March 2005.

Under Operations are the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, Behavioral Health Services, Community Justice Programs, and Residential Services.

BALTIMORE CITY JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER
300 North Gay St.
Baltimore, MD 21202

The Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center opened October 30, 2003. Providing centralized intake, assessment, court, and detention services, it includes three circuit courtrooms, hearing rooms for juvenile masters, offices for state's attorneys and public defenders, a booking facility, and 144 beds for delinquent youth requiring detention. For detained youths, the Center has a full-size gym, and educational and medical services. Formerly under Residential Services, it transferred to the supervision of the Deputy Secretary for Operations in March 2005.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Behavioral Health Services works through a system of care which encompasses case management, girls and gender issues, substance abuse, and sex abuse and victimization. Behavioral Health Services oversees Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Services.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Substance Abuse Services was initiated by 1992 and reorganized as a separate unit under Health Services in March 2004. In December 2004, it was placed under Behavioral Health Services.

Substance Abuse Services provides preventive education and screens all juveniles in a detention or committed facility. Treatment programs are provided for those youths diagnosed as in need of services. Substance Abuse Services works with the eleven Juvenile Drug Courts in Maryland.

COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROGRAMS

Under Community Justice Programs are the local Area Offices, Community Detention, and Placement Services. Community Justice Programs also oversees the Interstate Compact on Juveniles.

INTERSTATE COMPACT ON JUVENILES
This unit administers the Interstate Compact on Juveniles, ratified by Maryland in 1966 (Chapter 520, Acts of 1966). Because jurisdiction of juveniles is never transferred, the Compact provides for courtesy supervision when an adjudicated youth moves to a different state to reside with parents or guardians. The unit also is responsible for the safe return of runaways from other states (Code 1957, Art. 83C, secs. 3-101 through 3-110).

AREA OFFICES
To administer intake, probation, and aftercare for delinquent youth, the State is divided into five 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 local area office decides for each minor whether court proceedings are appropriate. The local area office 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 local area office maintains contact with a juvenile's case manager. Minors are monitored in a similar fashion after their release.

COMMUNITY DETENTION & ELECTRONIC MONITORING
721 Woodburne Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21212

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.

PLACEMENT SERVICES
Placement Services establishes policy and standards for the placement of 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. They 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.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

In 1987, Residential Services started 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. In March 2004, it restructured under Programs as Residential Services. Programs became Operations in March 2005.

Residential Services 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. Seven detention centers hold minors awaiting trial or disposition.

Within its facilities, Residential Services provides screening, counseling, education, vocational skills training, health services, and recreational activities. Residential Services also is responsible statewide for transporting youth between court and State facilities.

Residential Services oversees Detention and Residential Operations, and is responsible for Education Services, and Medical Services.

DETENTION & RESIDENTIAL OPERATIONS
In March 2005, Detention and Residential Operations organized under Residential Services to oversee Facility Operations and Transportation Services. It is responsible for three categories of facilities run by the Department: Committed; Contractual; and Detention.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Transportation Services organized as Statewide Transportation and adopted it present name in 2004. Transportation Services conveys youth from State residences to the courts and back again.

FACILITY OPERATIONS
For youth committed by the courts, the Department runs seven residential facilities. They are the Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School, the Maryland Youth Residence Center, and the William Donald Schaefer House in Baltimore City, and four Youth Centers in Western Maryland. If funding permits, the Victor Cullen Center, formerly a contractually operated residential center, may reopen as a regional center in 2005.

CULLEN TASK FORCE
In July 2004, the Secretary of Juvenile Services formed the Cullen Task Force to create a specialized program tailored for Western Maryland's regional juvenile center's needs.

VICTOR CULLEN CENTER
6000 Cullen Drive
Sabillasville, MD 21780

Opened in September 1992, Victor Cullen Center is a secure commitment facility for delinquent boys in northwest Frederick County. The Center was a State facility operated by a private firm under contract with the Department. In April 2002, the Center closed temporarily, remained closed due to cost containment, but is tentatively scheduled to reopen as a regional center whenever funding is available.

Formerly, Cullen Center treated up to 184 teenage boys who stayed an average of six months. If it reopens as a regional center, it would house up to 45 youth.

Cullen Center 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, continued under the Department of Juvenile Justice from 1995 to 2003, and now falls under the Department of Juvenile Services. In October 2000, the Academy was renamed again the Victor Cullen Center (Chapter 223, Acts of 2000).

CHARLES H. HICKEY, JR., SCHOOL
2400 Cub Hill Road
Baltimore, MD 21234

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). From September 1991 to April 2004, the School was run by private firms under contract with the Department. In April 2004, the Department resumed operation of the School.

MARYLAND YOUTH RESIDENCE CENTER
721 Woodbourne Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21212

The Maryland Youth Residence Center began 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
907-909 Druid Park Lake Drive
Baltimore, MD 21217

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 provides a ninety-day substance abuse treatment program for low-risk offenders.

YOUTH CENTERS
Headquarters 326-328
Queen City Drive
Cumberland, MD 21501 - 1400

The Department of Juvenile Services 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.

In 1955, the Youth Centers began as Boys Forestry Camps. They were renamed Youth Centers by the Board of Public Works on September 20, 1977. The Centers are administered in Cumberland (Code 1957, Art. 83C, sec. 2-117).

BACKBONE MOUNTAIN YOUTH CENTER
Route 1
124 Camp 4 Road
Swanton, MD 21562

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
P. O. Box 51
Fifteen Mile Creek Road
Flintstone, MD 21530 - 0051

Green Ridge Youth Center started in May 1955 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.

MEADOW MOUNTAIN YOUTH CENTER
234 Recovery Road
Grantsville, MD 21535 - 0075

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. Started in 1998, its Leadership Challenge Program (known as boot camp), concluded in December 1999. Meadow Mountain Youth Center provides a substance abuse treatment program.

SAVAGE MOUNTAIN YOUTH CENTER
164 Freedom Lane
Lonaconing, MD 21539

The success of the first boys' forestry camp at Green Ridge prompted the General Assembly to appropriate funds for additional facilities in 1956 (Chapter 98, Acts of 1956). Lonaconing Forestry Camp for Boys opened in December 1957. Renamed Savage Mountain Youth Center in 1977, the Center can accommodate thirty-five boys. In December 1999, the Center closed. It is scheduled to reopen in April 2001.

SECURE DETENTION CENTERS
Secure 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.

Detention and Residential Operations oversees six detention centers: J. DeWeese Carter Center; Cheltenham Youth Facility; Lower Eastern Shore Children's Center; Alfred D. Noyes Children's Center; Thomas J. S. Waxter Children's Center; and Western Maryland Children's Center.

J. DeWEESE CARTER CENTER
P. O. Box 229
Scheeler Road
Chestertown, MD 21620 - 0229

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, the Center was named for Judge J. DeWeese Carter (1904-1977), who served on the Court of Special Appeals from 1971 to 1973.

CHELTENHAM YOUTH FACILITY
P. O. Box 160
11001 Frank Tippett Road
Cheltenham, MD 20623 - 0160

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. [That unit moved to the Thomas J. S. Waxter Children's Center in January 2000.] 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.

LOWER EASTERN SHORE CHILDREN'S CENTER
405 Naylor Mill Road
Salisbury, MD 21801

The Lower Eastern Shore Children's Detention Center in Salisbury, Wicomico County, opened in November 2003. The facility provides secure detention for youths from Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

ALFRED D. NOYES CHILDREN'S CENTER
9925 Blackwell Road
Rockville, MD 20850

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
[YOUNG WOMEN'S FACILITY OF MARYLAND AT WAXTER]
375 Red Clay Road, SW
Laurel, MD 20724 - 9786

The Thomas J. S. Waxter Children's Center started in November 1963. Then, it 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 Center is a facility for juvenile detention. In January 2000, it became a facility for females only. Alternately known as the Young Women's Facility of Maryland at Waxter, it houses up to ninety minors (from as young as age 10 to as old as age 19). It also houses a 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).

WESTERN MARYLAND CHILDREN'S CENTER
18420 Roxbury Road
Hagerstown, MD 21740

The Western Maryland Children's Center in Hagerstown, Washington County, opened September 24, 2003. The Center houses up to twenty-four youth from Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.

THOMAS O'FARRELL YOUTH CENTER
7960 Henryton Road
Marriottsville, MD 21103

From its opening in 1986, the Thomas O'Farrell Youth Center has been operated by private firms under contract with the Department. Located in Carroll County, the Center treats juveniles who have committed drug-related offenses or 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.

EDUCATION SERVICES

Education 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.

MEDICAL SERVICES

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. Medical Services teaches youth to prevent disease and take responsibility for their health.

Medical Services also provides clinical, managerial and administrative guidance to health service personnel in Department facilities and programs. The nurse manager at Medical 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, Medical Services writes and manages contracts. It also oversees intergovernmental agreements for health care to youth in Department facilities. In addition, Medical Services monitors expenditures for services and organizes continuing education seminars for clinicians.

Medical Services oversees Mental Health Services and Somatic Health Services.

SOMATIC HEALTH SERVICES

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