DPSCS Provides Update on Every Action Being Taken to Repair Heating at Baltimore Youth Detention Center
December 8, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
BALTIMORE, MD - Today, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) provided the following update on its repairs to the heating system at the Youth Detention Center (YDC) in Baltimore after 2 compressors failed, causing temperatures to fall in the male housing units and the facility’s gym. Suggestions or reports that the entire facility is without heat are unfounded.
“From the immediate start, our focus has been maintaining safe, stable conditions while moving as quickly as is legally and logistically possible to complete this repair,” said DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs. “I am grateful to the staff who continue to work around the clock to secure needed equipment, keep programming running, and make sure the young people in our care remain safe and supported.”
- Youth have not experienced any medical issues related to the temperature, and indoor conditions remain safe. Staff continue to conduct hourly temperature checks and are providing additional blankets and warm clothing as needed.
- To sustain temperatures in the male housing units while the heating unit repair is underway, DPSCS secured industrial-grade electric space heaters. The Department will keep the heaters in operation until permanent repair is made to the facility’s heating system.
- Contrary to other reports, youth have received their full educational programming without interruption. School is, and has continued to be open, with classes moved to an alternate area of the facility with better heating.
- The part needed to complete the heating repair is arriving today through an emergency procurement declaration submitted last week. The repair is complex but is expected to be complete by the end of the week.
DPSCS will provide further updates as work progresses.