Maryland Governor's Task Force To Study Educational and Related Needs of Children in Juvenile Residential Institutions

• NCJ Number: 88860
• Author(s): E J Mason
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 36 pages
• Corporate Author: Maryland Juvenile Services Admin
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Task Force was unable to adopt a definitive position regarding the establishment of a maximum security prison for juveniles in Maryland, but instead recommended that the State relieve overcrowding by creating several smaller facilities and improve all institutional education programs.

Abstract

Created in 1980, the Task Force gathered information through site visits, research, public testimony, and agency reports. This report first addresses administrative issues, suggesting that a supervisor of education within the Juvenile Services Administration (JSA) be granted authority and responsibility for all educational programs in residential facilities and control of education funds through the budget process. Because research shows that children with learning difficulties and antisocial behavior make greater gains in small institutions, the Task Force proposes that the JSA emphasize facilities which accommodate no more than 40 children and that future expansion should concentrate on youth centers and alternative community supervision programs. It also believes that educational programs should be tailored to the time a child spends in an institution and that programs for juveniles serving more than 6 months should include music, art, and vocational education. Successful purchase-of-care models should be expanded, notably those providing education through public school attendance or home-bound State education services at the facility. A controversial issue confronting the Task Force was the proposed maximum security facility for juveniles. The panel recognized that overcrowding was a serious problem impeding educational efforts, but found that many juveniles charged with major crimes are handled by the adult system. Therefore, it recommends the State establish 6 to 8 additional youth centers along with community supervision programs and improve security at existing facilities. The appendixes contain tables on residential populations and costs and proposed legislation necessary to implement the report's recommendations.