Baltimore Official Warns Juvenile Justice System Lacks Resources

Pamela Chung says proposed legislation would bring more serious offenders into an underfunded system

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Pamela Chung, chief of the Juvenile Division for the Baltimore City state's attorney's office, warned that Maryland's juvenile justice system lacks the capacity to absorb more serious offenders under proposed legislation. Chung cited multiple issues with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), including a 'massive wait list for programming' and inadequate, 'one-size-fits-all' services that do not provide individualized treatment for youth.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing challenges facing juvenile justice systems, which often struggle to provide appropriate rehabilitation and treatment services, especially for more serious offenders. The proposed legislation aims to shift more youth into the juvenile system, but Chung's warnings suggest the system may not be equipped to handle the influx.

The details

Chung appeared on a local radio show to discuss the proposed legislation, which would bring more serious, violent offenders into the juvenile justice system in Maryland. She argued that the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) does not have the necessary resources or programming to properly serve these youth, citing issues like long waitlists and a lack of individualized treatment.

  • Chung made these comments on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Pamela Chung

Chief of the Juvenile Division for the Baltimore City state's attorney's office, who warned about the limitations of the juvenile justice system in Maryland.

Department of Juvenile Services (DJS)

The state agency responsible for Maryland's juvenile justice system, which Chung says lacks the resources and programming to handle more serious offenders.

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What they’re saying

“But to have a true rehabilitative system … you need appropriate, quality treatment services and programs. And unfortunately, at this juncture, DJS just does not deliver that.”

— Pamela Chung, Chief of the Juvenile Division, Baltimore City state's attorney's office (WBAL Radio)

“We don't have individualized treatment for youth and this bill is proposing to bring in more serious, violent offenders into the juvenile system in a system where the Department of Juvenile Services doesn't even have the resources to service these youth.”

— Pamela Chung, Chief of the Juvenile Division, Baltimore City state's attorney's office (WBAL Radio)

What’s next

The proposed legislation that would shift more serious offenders into the juvenile justice system is still under consideration, and lawmakers will likely need to address the concerns raised by Chung about the system's lack of resources and capacity.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges facing juvenile justice systems, which often struggle to provide adequate rehabilitation and treatment services, especially for more serious offenders. Policymakers will need to carefully consider the system's limitations and ensure that any reforms are matched with the necessary funding and resources to effectively serve youth.