NEJDC Attorney Successfully Challenges Maine Department Of Corrections Treatment Of Juvenile In Custody, March 2004

Ned Chester, an NEJDC Board member representing Maine, filed and recently settled a major case against the Maine Department of Corrections charging a pattern of abuse and misconduct towards a youth in its custody. The boy, "Michael T." was repeatedly put in solitary confinement, sometimes for periods up to 87 days, and repeatedly put in constraints, even when he posed no physical danger to himself or others and was not acting out of control in any manner.

Chester had received over 100 hours of videotape showing abuse of Michael. Frequently, the abuse at the hands of the guards occurred with the knowledge and oversight of prison officials and a prison psychologist.

Initially, the state of Maine moved to dismiss and oppose the case but agreed to mediation at the recommendation of the state judge hearing the case. A final settlement was entered into in late February.

As impressive as the case itself, was the reforms it has brought to Maine's treatment of youth in the Long Creek and Mountainview Development Centers (Maine's two secure detention facilities) are remarkable. They include removal of a variety of officials and plans for intensive oversight. For a complete review of those changes, click on the articles below.

• October 12, 2003 - Officials Tied To Teen's Alleged Abuse
• October 14, 2003 - EDITORIAL: Governor Should Probe Youth Center Allegations
• October 15, 2003 - Youth Center Allegations Are Focus Of Probe
• October 16, 2003 - Youth Workers Plan No-Confidence Vote
• October 18, 2003 - EDITORIAL: Investigation Of Youth Center Should Be Independent
• October 21, 2003 - Youth Center Chief Steps Aside During Probe
• October 22, 2003 - EDITORIAL: Youth Center Investigation Moving In Right Direction
• October 22, 2003 - Staffer Selected As Acting Chief At Youth Center
• October 23, 2003 - Juvenile Justice In Maine Is Criticized
• November 13, 2003 - Lawyers Argue Over Treatment
• November 17, 2003 - EDITORIAL: Review Of Long Creek Managers Right Move
• February 2, 2004 - EDITORIAL: Long Creek's Changes Won't Remove Its Past
• February 12, 2004 - Infighting Hobbles Long Creek
• February 12, 2004 - Volunteer Caught In Report's Storm
• February 14, 2004 - EDITORIAL: Report Important In Calling Long Creek To Take Action
• February 26, 2004 - Youth Center Lawsuit Settled
• February 29, 2004 - EDITORIAL: Youth Center Settlement Doesn't Mean It's Over