(a) In this section, “Youth Program” means the Patuxent Institution Youth Program.
(b) There is a Patuxent Institution Youth Program.
(c) This section applies to an individual under the age of 21 years who is sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 3 years or more.
(d) At sentencing, a court may refer an individual to the Institution for evaluation.
(e) The Director shall:
(1) review recommendations of a court for admission of an individual to the Youth Program; and
(2) admit or deny admission of an individual based on the criteria for admission established under subsection (j) of this section.
(f) An inmate’s status in the Youth Program shall be reviewed by the Board of Review on an annual basis.
(g) The Board of Review may grant an inmate in the Youth Program leave, work or school release, or parole according to the same procedures and with the same notice to victims as required with respect to the eligible person program.
(h) If an individual is transferred to the Youth Program under this section, the duration of the transfer to the Institution shall terminate when:
(1) the Director orders the individual transferred to the Division of Correction;
(2) the Board of Review orders the individual transferred to the Division of Correction;
(3) with the approval of the Secretary, the Board of Review orders the individual paroled; or
(4) the individual completes the individual’s term of confinement as provided by law.
(i) An individual who is transferred to the Youth Program as provided under this section is deemed to be committed to the custody of and subject to the jurisdiction of the Institution.
(j) (1) Regulations adopted by the Secretary under § 4-208 of this title shall include regulations governing the management and operation of the Youth Program, including criteria for admission to the Youth Program.
(2) Regulations establishing criteria for admission to the Youth Program shall:
(i) be consistent with this title and any other statutory requirements; and
(ii) include criteria regarding:
1. the individual’s age;
2. the individual’s mental and physical condition;
3. the individual’s amenability to treatment in the Youth Program;
4. the nature of the individual’s crime and the individual’s participation in the crime; and
5. the public safety.