Redemption vs. Punishment

Responding to harsh criticism regarding the effectiveness and conditions of juvenile detention centers, both the District of Columbia and the state of Maryland made changes in their juvenile justice systems. Each jurisdiction took a different approach, and the results are revealing.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The Challenge:

In 1992, the District had the nation's highest juvenile detention rate and had very few alternatives. A lawsuit was filed against the District that resulted in a mandate for improved conditions in juvenile detention facilities.

The Fix:

The detention system was reformed to emphasize rehabilitation. New community-based detention alternatives that were small, homelike and close to the childrens' homes were created. Two of the District's largest youth facilities were closed and population caps were placed on the existing facilities. The number of youth detained for crimes declined from 411 to 124.

The Results:

The youth violent crime rate decreased 55% from 1990-1999. During the same period, youth detention decreased 70%.

MARYLAND

The Challenge:

In the mid-1990s, public attention was focused on the overcrowded and unsanitary Cheltenham Youth Facility. Youth advocates presented studies showing that the recidivism rate for child offenders in Maryland was 80%.

The Fix:

No systemic reforms were attempted in Maryland. Instead, Maryland consistently increased the use of locked youth detention centers. The state appropriations committee voted to tear down Cheltenham and replace it with a new 144-bed detention center in Baltimore and two other 24-bed facilities.

The Results:

The youth violent crime rate decreased 15% from 1990-1999. During the same period, youth detention increased 3%.

The moral of the story?
The District of Columbia achieved dramatic, positive results by focusing on redeeming child offenders.
Maryland did not.