Developing community-based programs is the surest way to shut down Maine’s youth prison.
long creek youth development center
Legislation should require closure of Maine’s youth prison, advocates say
A bill would gradually reduce the number of young people held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center, without setting a date to close it.
Federal lawsuit claims abuse, denial of treatment at Maine youth detention center
The lawsuit is the latest alleging mistreatment at what is now the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland.
Lawmakers consider bill to prohibit prosecuting anyone younger than 12
The measure would also eliminate the minimum stay for youths committed to the state’s only youth detention center, and would commit no one younger than age 14.
Lawmakers support plan to reduce number of incarcerated youths
A bill that won the support of a legislative committee Friday would require a gradual reduction in the number of juveniles at the Long Creek Youth Development Center.
Bill aimed at reducing number of youths held at Long Creek gets mixed reviews
Lawmakers hear from proponents of reform and those who say the measure doesn’t go far enough to close down the state’s problematic detention center in South Portland.
Commentary: Black youth of Maine disproportionately targeted for mass incarceration
Black History Month serves as a reminder to not only reflect on the harm done but also to take action – starting with closing Long Creek.
Bill would phase out use of Long Creek youth detention center
The measure would also prohibit courts from detaining juveniles solely because they can’t be sent home, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough.
Our View: Maine should stop using youth prison for ‘care’
It’s time for lawmakers to respond to wasteful and ineffective spending on youth incarceration.
National group advises Maine to invest in community services to reduce juvenile incarcerations
Preliminary findings by the Center for Children’s Law and Policy show that 53% of detained youths were held because the state lacked alternative places to house them safely.