2013 Maryland Code
HUMAN SERVICES
§ 9-237 - Juvenile detention facilities -- Standards

§9-237.

(a) The Department shall adopt regulations that set standards for juvenile detention facilities operated by the Department and by private agencies under contract with the Department.

(b) The standards shall reflect the following central purposes of juvenile detention:

(1) to protect the public;

(2) to provide a safe, humane, and caring environment for children; and

(3) to provide access to required services for children.

(c) The standards shall include provisions establishing:

(1) a policy that eliminates the unnecessary use of detention and that prioritizes diversion and appropriate nonsecure alternatives;

(2) criteria for the placement of a child in a particular juvenile detention facility;

(3) population limits for each juvenile detention facility that may not be exceeded except in emergency circumstances;

(4) a requirement that staffing ratios and levels of services be maintained during emergencies;

(5) specifications for the architectural structure of a juvenile detention facility;

(6) staff qualifications and training, including training in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect;

(7) the ratio of staff to children in a juvenile detention facility;

(8) the rights of children in a juvenile detention facility, including the right to privacy, visitors, telephone use, and mail delivery;

(9) prohibitions against the use of excessive force against a child; and

(10) internal auditing and monitoring of programs and facilities in the juvenile services system.

(d) The standards shall be consistent with this title and Title 3, Subtitle 8A of the Courts Article.