Pubdate: Fri, 29 Mar 2002
Source: Daily News, The (CN NS)
Website: http://www.canada.com/halifax/dailynews/
Copyright: 2002 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/179
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

MARYLAND PAYS OUT $4 MILLION TO 900 TEENS ABUSED IN 'BOOT CAMP' DETENTION

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland has agreed to pay about $4 million to settle 
lawsuits surrounding three boot camps that were shut down because guards 
abused teenaged prisoners. State Gov. Parris Glendening ordered the 
state-run camps closed in 1999 after the (Baltimore) Sun newspaper reported 
the abuse. Troubled teens sent to the camps were supposed to be reformed by 
military-style training and discipline.

Investigators concluded the assaults were widespread and dated to 1996, 
when the first camp opened in western Maryland.

The settlement covers almost 900 prisoners, officials said. Those who 
suffered the worst abuse will receive $100,000. Others will be given lesser 
amounts and a $2.1-million fund will be created to pay tuition to colleges 
and trade schools.

"It's a good agreement" for the Department of Juvenile Justice, said 
assistant attorney general Maureen Dove.

"It puts this whole matter behind them."

John Coale, lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, said the state has made a 
good-faith effort to improve juvenile facilities.

"The systemic changes are not in the settlement because they have already 
happened or the state is well on its way to doing it," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom