NCJ Number
190547
Date Published
September 2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report summarized the reforms and progress being made within the Maryland Juvenile Justice Department to create a system that reduces youth crime by engaging Maryland's communities and working in partnership with other organizations and institutions that touch young people's lives.
Abstract
The Maryland Juvenile Justice Department recognized that the juvenile justice system was a critical element of Maryland's comprehensive strategy to make its neighborhood safe. With heightened legislative and public interest in juvenile justice over the past year, Maryland was given an invaluable opportunity to begin long-term, fundamental changes in its' juvenile justice system. This report described how the reform effort was moving forward in three basic areas: (1) laying the foundations for reform; (2) reshaping the way the department worked with juveniles and their families; and (3) joining forces with other efforts to support children and families. In laying the foundation for reform, the department examined budget increases from a historical perspective and the reorganization of the department. In reshaping the way the Juvenile Justice Department works with juveniles and their families, the following reforms were intended to energize and mobilize community institutions and residents at each stage of the system: admissions; community justice; and residential services. Lastly, in linking other efforts to enhance child well-being the Juvenile Justice Department must partner with schools, advocacy groups, the faith community, businesses, community groups, and citizens to get involved and reduce juvenile crime. Future partnerships efforts were presented with the Maryland Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families and local jurisdictions and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Aftercare Wrap Teams). This progress report summarized the earliest steps in what was described as a long, sustained journey engaging the efforts of people and organizations throughout Maryland. The final full strategic plan was targeted for Fall 2000. This plan will describe the implementation plans and timelines for each of these reforms in greater detail.