Maryland Department of Juvenile Services

The Department's new specialized facilities are structurally sound, locked door facilities. Detention is considered short-term confinement until a court hearing is held and is viewed as a time to provide educational, medical, mental health, case management and other much-needed services.

The facilities are modern, low-rise buildings designed to resemble schools or community centers. Each facility has 24 beds and provides services to male and female youth.

The designs maximize the use of natural light and space by utilizing a center courtyard. Interior visibility and natural light create an open, non-institutional environment and enhance program options. Each facility is outfitted with a gymnasium, outdoor recreation area, computer room, life skills and media resource areas. The facilities were designed so that there cannot be any verbal or visual contact between detained youth and passersby on the streets.

Administrative offices have large windows and are adjacent to the living and program areas of the buildings. This design feature allows administrative staff and case managers to have additional visual contact with youth which enhances supervision. Residents enter and leave the facilities only when escorted by police or DJS staff.