Detention Centers

Detention centers serve several groups of youth, including:

Youth who have been deemed likely to reoffend or not appear for court while waiting for their court hearing or waiting for a court to decide how their case will be handled
Youth who have been deemed likely to reoffend or not appear for court while a court decides whether the case will be handled in adult or juvenile court
Youth who have been ordered by a judge to enter a treatment program and are waiting for a placement
Youth are also commonly detained for writs and warrants issued by the court or violations of alternative to detention (ATD) program conditions

Every youth who is admitted to a detention facility takes part in an orientation. Additionally, as part of the admissions process:

An admissions officer interviews youth to collect and verify basic information.
Each youth has a photograph taken for their case record.
Each youth receives a facility handbook that includes information on facility procedures, the behavior motivation program, services and programming, grievance procedures, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
Youth are given clothing to wear. Personal clothing is cleaned and stored securely.

The admissions process also includes an initial health screening.

A registered nurse reviews physical health, mental health, and substance abuse needs.
A licensed physician or nurse practitioner conducts a review of medical history and a physical examination within seven days of admission.

Youth are assigned a DJS community case manager and a facility case manager. The facility case manager:

Acts as a liaison with the court, family, community case manager, and treatment service providers while the youth is in detention
Assists youth with understanding the facility handbooks and the behavior motivation program upon admission to the facility
Answers any questions the youth may have
Facilitates individual meetings, weekly groups, and activities
Monitors youth progress in the behavior motivation program may provide information and input for the Multidisciplinary Assessment Staffing Team (MAST) meetings

The community case manager:

Visits the youth in detention
Interviews the youth and family
Completes required investigations and/or assessments, such as a Social History Investigation or Maryland Comprehensive Assessment and Service Planning (MCASP) Risk & Needs Assessment