On August 25, 1986, juvenile plaintiffs filed this § 1983 civil rights lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine (Portland), challenging their conditions of confinement at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland, Maine. The Complaint sought for declaratory and injunctive relief, damages and class action status. Plaintiffs were represented by attorneys for the Youth Law Center.

By order dated November 23, 1987, the District Court (Gene Carter) certified the case as a class action. The certified class consisted of all juveniles who were, had been, or would in the future be confined in the Cumberland County Jail. Following class certification, the parties reached a settlement of all of plaintiffs' claims for declaratory and injunctive relief.

A Consent Decree was entered by the District Court (Judge Gene Carter) on March 3, 1988. The Consent Decree provided for construction of a new Juvenile Detention Facility adjacent to the Cumberland County Jail by January 1, 1990. The Decree also called for defendants to implement changes in the following areas: classification and monitoring of juveniles; adequate medical and mental health services; access to attorneys and visitors; education and counseling; recreation and exercise; and training for all staff.

The PACER docket is limited and does not contain any filing entries or notations. We have no further information on this case.

Dan Dalton - 02/24/2007


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