NCJ Number
116795
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1989) Pages: 130,225
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Maryland has enhanced its juvenile corrections services by creating the Juvenile Services Agency (JSA), an independent agency whose director reports directly to the Governor.
Abstract
Prior to the establishment of the JSA, the Juvenile Services Administration, as it was known, was just one of many administrations under the direction of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. JSA has 1,800 employees and a budget of more than $87 million. It is charged with providing individualized care and treatment, consistent with public safety, to referred youths under age 18 who violate criminal law, who are likely to violate that law, or whose behavior is likely to endanger themselves or others. Last year, approximately 29,000 youths representing 39,000 cases were brought to the agency's attention. The agency operates the following facilities: a secure facility, five youth centers that provide service and treatment to committed youths, and four detention centers. These facilities are augmented with contracted residential and nonresidential programs for troubled youths as well as a variety of community-based services.