Youth in City Jail Face ‘Deplorable’ Conditions

In Maryland, more than two-thirds of the youth committed to the adult jail eventually leave without a conviction in adult court — either they are sent back to the juvenile system, or they are found not guilty, have the charges against them dropped or are put on probation. Still, they spend an average of about four months locked up, a 2011 report by NCCD found, and can be held for years awaiting a trial date.

In Maryland, more than two-thirds of the youth committed to the adult jail eventually leave without a conviction in adult court — either they are sent back to the juvenile system, or they are found not guilty, have the charges against them dropped or are put on probation. Still, they spend an average of about four months locked up, a 2011 report by NCCD found, and can be held for years awaiting a trial date.

Click here to read NCCD’s “Bed Space Forecast for Baltimore Youth Detention Facility,” which describes the future bed space needs for youth detained in the adult criminal justice system in the City of Baltimore, Maryland.