Study: Young adults are overrepresented in Maine’s criminal justice system

A report from the University of Southern Maine's Catherine E. Cutler Institute calls for expanding diversion and treatment-based criminal justice programs.

Mills vetoes ‘fundamentally flawed’ bill to close Long Creek youth prison

Mills also moved to block a bill inspired by Hydro-Quebec's spending on a potential ballot initiative in Maine.

Legislators eye juvenile system changes to help New Mainers transition back home

Young immigrants are the focus of bill backed by Lewiston officials.

Judge orders Auburn girl held and evaluated in stabbing case

Police say the 11-year-old girl stabbed her father after blindfolding him.

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.

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.

Augusta forum spotlights concerns with imprisoning youth, discusses juvenile justice reform

A 32-member task force is soliciting feedback in its effort to recommend changes, which could include shutting down state's only youth prison, to how Maine treats youthful offenders.

D.C.-based policy group hired to help reform Maine’s juvenile justice system

The Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group has hired the Center for Children's Law and Policy to evaluate Maine's system and recommend changes.

Look at all the children …

Supreme court justice considers request to release 13-year-old from Long Creek

An attorney is fighting to get the boy out of the Long Creek Youth Development Center, but the state argues that he can be detained while officials search for the right placement for his mental health needs.