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.