SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A new report says Maine’s only youth correctional facility is understaffed and not equipped to manage the mental health needs of residents.
The Portland Press Herald reports the review on the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland states the facility’s way of treatment may not be effective. The facility houses all youth from the state that are facing legal trouble or committed.
The Center for Children’s Law and Policy, a national youth justice organization, conducted the review released Wednesday. Their work was commissioned by the state’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Group.
The report states the conditions at the facility have become dangerous for both residents and employees.
Officials with the state’s American Civil Liberties Union say the facility is “failing Maine children and needs to be closed.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.