Teens Need Programs, Not Jail Cells

Governor Martin O’ Malley of Maryland has approved the construction of a $70 million detention facility in Baltimore despite heavy opposition. Youth advocates claim that the construction of a new detention center is a step in the wrong direction because juvenile arrest rates have fallen. According to advocates, investing in a new facility encourages the incarceration of youth and ignores alternatives to detention, such as evening reporting centers, development activities, and additional resources.

Governor Martin O’ Malley of Maryland has approved the construction of a $70 million detention facility in Baltimore despite heavy opposition. Youth advocates claim that the construction of a new detention center is a step in the wrong direction because juvenile arrest rates have fallen. According to advocates, investing in a new facility encourages the incarceration of youth and ignores alternatives to detention, such as evening reporting centers, development activities, and additional resources. Although their contentions were ultimately rejected, NCCD‘s “Bed Space Forecast for Baltimore Youth Detention Facility” was able to provide compelling research for those arguing against Governor O’Malley’s decision.