The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services provides
individualized care and treatment to youth who have violated the law, or who
are a danger to themselves or others. Through a variety of programs that reflect
the most creative, effective and efficient use of resources, the Department of
Juvenile Services strives to help young people, with the involvement of their
families, reach their full potential as productive and positive members of society.
The Department of Juvenile Services is committed to making youth responsible
and accountable for their actions. This is accomplished at the least restrictive level of care
consistent with public safety.
DJS works closely with other state agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Human Resources and Health and Mental Hygiene, and local agencies to efficiently and effectively work with young people and their families.
Prevention programs are designed to stop delinquent behavior before it starts. The Department is committed to early identification of problems that can escalate and place young people in the Juvenile Justice System.
Services to at risk youth include individual and family counseling, advocacy, and drug abuse education.
DJS has several programs that give attention to the whole family when youth are at risk of getting into trouble. The biggest influence in a child's life is the family, so by working with parents or guardians and young people, DJS can help make family life stronger and more valuable.
Young people participating in community-based programs live in their own homes or in surrogate homes while receiving treatment and supervision. Services range from counseling to advocacy and special day programs.
DJS is working to give young people the skills that will make them successful in school, in preparing for jobs, and as members of the community. DJS has developed partnerships with private organizations to help prepare young people to enter the job market.
Another important aspect of helping young people to change their behavior is participating in community service. DJS has formed partnerships with organizations to provide young people with meaningful service. This service provides both help to neighborhoods and communities, and it teaches young people that there is a price to pay for committing offenses.
Youthful offenders need to understand the consequences of their actions, and to that end the Department offers residential services ranging from foster care to institutional care.
Youth in institutional care are the most serious or chronic
offenders. Recognizing that there will always be a need for secure care for juvenile
offenders, the Department has taken steps to make that care as productive as possible.
Care in institutions includes treatment, education, vocational training and victim
awareness counseling.
Staff at DJS take a close look at all young people serviced by the Department, assess them, and make decisions on the best programs, whether that is in a secure setting, a residential facility, or in a non-residential, community-based program. The needs of the youth are balanced with the paramount interest of community safety.
Glossary of Common Terms
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