Long Creek Youth Development Center is a juvenile detention facility located in South Portland, Maine. It is the only secure juvenile facility in the state and serves as both a detention center for pre-adjudicated youth being held for a court appearance and for adjudicated youth who have been committed to a juvenile correctional facility for an indeterminate period. The center is committed to principles of restorative justice in all areas of juvenile justice, providing programs and services that aim to help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
The Maine Department of Corrections oversees the Long Creek Youth Development Center, which has a bed capacity of 183 and houses both male and female clients from 11 to 21 years of age. The facility opened in 2002 and is a state-of-the-art building with 183,000 square feet. The center has a variety of programs and services available to its residents, including education, vocational training, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and more. These programs are designed to help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life and avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system.
Overall, Long Creek Youth Development Center is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for young people who have been involved with the criminal justice system. Through its various programs and services, the center aims to help residents develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life and avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 183 |
| Physical Address | 675 Westbrook Street South Portland ME 04106 |
| Mailing Address | 675 Westbrook Street South Portland ME 04106 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (207) 822-2601 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of LCYDC
Long Creek Youth Development Center (LCYDC) is Maine’s only secure juvenile facility, located at 675 Westbrook Street in South Portland. The facility serves as both a detention center for pre-adjudicated youth being held for a court appearance and for adjudicated youth who have been committed to a juvenile correctional facility for an indeterminate period up to the age of 21. The center is operated by the Maine Department of Corrections, which is responsible for the custody, care, and treatment of all juveniles committed to the facility.
LCYDC is a nationally renowned correctional facility in the country, with a restorative culture that emphasizes rehabilitation and education. The center offers a variety of programs and services to help youth develop the skills they need to succeed in life. These programs include academic education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and more.
The center has a rated capacity of 183, with an average daily population of 67 over the last 12 months. The facility demographics show that the majority of youth committed to LCYDC are male, and the most common age range is 16-17 years old. The center is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all youth in their care.
The Department of Corrections is committed to ensuring that all youth at LCYDC are treated with dignity and respect and that their rights are protected. The center has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures in place to ensure that all staff members are trained in the latest best practices for working with youth in a correctional setting. The Department of Corrections also works closely with community partners to provide a continuum of care for youth who are transitioning back into the community after their release from the center.
Location and Facilities
South Portland Location
Long Creek Youth Development Center (LCYDC) is located at 675 Westbrook Street in South Portland, Maine. The facility is situated on a 185-acre campus that includes residential cottages, administration buildings, and recreational facilities. The center is easily accessible from major highways and is located approximately 10 miles from downtown Portland.
Facility Details
LCYDC is Maine’s only secure juvenile facility. It serves as both a detention center for pre-adjudicated youth being held for a court appearance and for adjudicated youth who have been committed to a juvenile correctional facility for an indeterminate period up to the age of 21. The facility has a bed capacity of 183 and houses both male and female clients from 11 to 21 years of age.
The facility is equipped with a gymnasium, a library, and a computer lab to provide recreational and educational opportunities for the residents. The center also has a medical clinic staffed by licensed nurses and physicians to provide medical and mental health services to the residents.
The residential cottages are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the residents. The cottages are equipped with security cameras, intercom systems, and panic buttons to ensure the safety of the residents and staff. The residents are provided with nutritious meals prepared by a licensed dietician and served in a cafeteria-style setting.
In conclusion, LCYDC is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the youth in its care. The facility is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by trained professionals who are committed to the welfare of the residents.
Visitation
Visitation hours are:
- Oak (Detained Boys) and Pine (Committed Boys):
- Tuesday, Thursday: 5:30-6:45 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00-10:15 a.m.
- Sunday: 10:30-11:15 a.m.
- Maple (Girls):
- Monday and Wednesday: 5:30-6:45 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:30-11:15 a.m.
- Sunday: 9:00-10:15 a.m.
Role in Juvenile Justice System
Long Creek Youth Development Center (LCYDC) is a secure juvenile facility that serves a critical role in the Maine juvenile justice system. The center is responsible for the detention and rehabilitation of youth under the age of 21 who have been committed to a juvenile correctional facility or are being held for a court appearance.
LCYDC provides a range of services to its residents, including education, vocational training, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. The center also offers recreational programs and activities to help residents develop social skills and build positive relationships with their peers.
As a youth prison, LCYDC plays a critical role in the rehabilitation of young offenders. The center’s staff works closely with residents to develop individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs and challenges. These plans are designed to help residents develop the skills and tools they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities upon release.
LCYDC is also a detention facility, which means that it is responsible for holding youth who have been charged with a delinquent or criminal act. The center’s staff works closely with the juvenile justice system to ensure that residents receive the support and services they need while they are in detention. This includes access to legal representation, medical care, and educational services.
Overall, Long Creek Youth Development Center plays a critical role in the Maine juvenile justice system. The center provides a safe and secure environment for youth who have been committed to a juvenile correctional facility or are being held for a court appearance. It also offers a range of services and programs designed to help residents develop the skills and tools they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities upon release.
Programs and Services
Long Creek Youth Development Center offers a range of programs and services to help juveniles in their care develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead productive lives. These programs and services are designed to meet the unique needs of each juvenile, with the goal of preparing them for successful reentry into their communities.
Education Program
The Education Program at Long Creek Youth Development Center provides academic instruction to juveniles in their care. The program is designed to meet the educational needs of each juvenile, with the goal of helping them earn their high school diploma or equivalent. The program also includes vocational training to help juveniles develop job skills that will be useful upon release.
Art Program
The Art Program at Long Creek Youth Development Center provides juveniles with the opportunity to express themselves creatively through various art forms. The program is designed to help juveniles develop self-esteem and confidence, as well as to provide a positive outlet for emotions. The program includes instruction in a variety of art forms, including painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Rehabilitation Services
Long Creek Youth Development Center offers a range of rehabilitation services to help juveniles in their care overcome the challenges that led to their incarceration. These services include individual and group therapy, substance abuse treatment, and anger management classes. The goal of these services is to help juveniles develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead productive lives and avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system.
Overall, Long Creek Youth Development Center’s programs and services are designed to provide juveniles with the tools they need to succeed upon release. Volunteers play an important role in supporting these programs and services and are always welcome to apply to become a volunteer at the Center.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Long Creek Youth Development Center recognizes that mental health and well-being are essential for the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of its youth residents. The center provides a range of mental health services to address the unique needs of each resident.
Mental Health Treatment
Mental health treatment at Long Creek Youth Development Center is provided by licensed mental health professionals who offer individual and group therapy sessions. The treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of each resident and is designed to help them develop coping skills, improve their emotional regulation, and enhance their overall mental health and well-being.
In addition to traditional therapy sessions, the center also offers specialized mental health programs, such as trauma-informed care and substance abuse treatment. These programs are designed to address the underlying issues that may contribute to a resident’s delinquent behavior.
Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is a key component of the Long Creek Youth Development Center’s approach to rehabilitation. The center believes that youth who have committed offenses should take responsibility for their actions and make amends for the harm they have caused.
Restorative justice programs at the center include victim-offender mediation, community service, and restitution. These programs provide residents with the opportunity to make things right with their victims and the community, while also learning valuable skills and developing a sense of accountability.
Challenges and Controversies
Violent Incidents
Long Creek Youth Development Center has experienced several violent incidents in recent years. In 2020, there were seven incidents involving group disturbances, which prompted an assessment by the Center for Children’s Law and Policy (CCLP) to determine the causes of these incidents. The assessment found that several factors contributed to the disturbances, including staff shortages, inadequate training, and a lack of programming and activities for the youth.
In addition, a report by Disability Rights Maine in 2019 found that Long Creek staff used excessive force and restraint on youth, which violated their constitutional rights. The report stated that staff members used chemical agents, handcuffs, and other forms of restraint in situations where they were not warranted.
Use of Restraint
The use of restraint at Long Creek Youth Development Center has been a controversial issue. According to a report by Disability Rights Maine, staff members used restraint on youth in situations where it was not necessary, which violated their constitutional rights. The report also found that staff members used chemical agents and handcuffs excessively.
The Maine Department of Corrections has implemented several reforms to address the use of restraint at Long Creek. For example, the department now requires staff members to receive training on the proper use of restraint, and it has established a system for monitoring and reporting the use of restraint.
Despite these reforms, concerns about the use of restraint at Long Creek persist. In 2021, the Maine Legislature considered a bill that would have closed the facility and replaced it with a community-based system of care. The bill was opposed by some lawmakers, who argued that Long Creek provides necessary services to at-risk youth.
In conclusion, Long Creek Youth Development Center has faced several challenges and controversies related to violent incidents and the use of restraint. While the Maine Department of Corrections has implemented reforms to address these issues, concerns persist about the treatment of youth at the facility.