A prominent Baltimore criminal defense attorney has called for a federal investigation into the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) amid growing concerns over conditions in the state’s juvenile detention and rehabilitation centers. The demand comes in the wake of troubling watchdog reports and public records that have brought to light serious issues within the system.
Union officials recently held a news conference to voice their concerns about working conditions in Maryland’s correctional facilities. Representing employees from both adult and juvenile justice systems, they unanimously called for action to address what they described as a staffing crisis. Denise Johnson, president of AFSCME Local 3167, which represents DJS employees statewide, stated, “I’ve had members tell me they have been punched, slapped and assaulted on the job because staffing levels are severely low.”
The latest report from the state juvenile justice watchdog group supports these claims, indicating a sharp rise in violence within DJS facilities and deteriorating welfare conditions. A FOX45 News analysis of the report revealed that the average daily number of detained juveniles in DJS custody increased by over 59% compared to the same quarter in the previous year. More alarmingly, youth-on-youth assaults and fights increased by 73%, while staff-reported assaults rose by a staggering 118%.
Attorney Warren Brown, a veteran in the Baltimore legal community, emphasized the urgent need for action. “I think there needs to be an investigation of juvenile services by the feds,” Brown stated. “I think they need to come in, do a top-to-bottom analysis of how they’re operating.”
The call for investigation comes amid several concerning incidents across DJS facilities. At the Western Maryland Children’s Center, a newly converted all-girls detention facility, a juvenile detainee made an emergency call claiming abuse and danger within the center. This led to a police response under active shooter protocol, revealing issues with staffing and facility management.
Similar problems have been reported at other facilities. The Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School in Baltimore County has seen an increase in contraband incidents, including the discovery of illegal drugs. At the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center in Prince George’s County, a parent observed his young son with injuries from a violent assault, allegedly attributed to inadequate secure detention measures.
Despite these mounting concerns, responses from state officials have been limited. Governor Wes Moore’s office did not respond to multiple inquiries about the incidents. The DJS provided minimal responses, acknowledging an investigation into what they termed a “prank call” at the Western Maryland Children’s Center, but failing to address broader concerns about staffing and conduct within their facilities.
As pressure mounts, there is a growing call for dialogue with DJS leadership about their goals and resource needs to improve conditions and outcomes for detained youth. The situation has sparked a broader debate about the state of Maryland’s juvenile justice system and the urgent need for reform to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of young offenders in state custody.
With federal investigation being proposed as a potential solution, all eyes are now on state officials to address these critical issues in juvenile detention and rehabilitation facilities. The coming weeks may prove crucial in determining the future direction of Maryland’s approach to juvenile justice.
Credit: Fox 45