Title 8. Children, Youth, and Families — Subtitle 6. At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 8-601 (2026)
Title 8. Children, Youth, and Families
Subtitle 6. At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs
§ 8–601LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “at-risk youth prevention and diversion program” means services provided to school-aged youth and their families to prevent or divert youth from entering the juvenile justice system and to help make them ready for adulthood by age 21.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 8-602 (2026)
Title 8. Children, Youth, and Families
Subtitle 6. At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs
§ 8–602LinkCopy Citation
An at-risk youth prevention and diversion program may be:
(1)
(i)
community-based;
(ii)
school-based;
(iii)
neighborhood-based; or
(iv)
faith-based; and
(2)
nonresidential.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 8-603 (2026)
Title 8. Children, Youth, and Families
Subtitle 6. At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs
§ 8–603LinkCopy Citation
(a)
At-risk youth prevention and diversion programs shall be coordinated, monitored, and supported by local management boards.
(b)
A local management board shall:
(1)
develop a request for funds based on the recommendations of the local planning group convened in accordance with § 8-605(b) of this subtitle;
(2)
award funds to local agencies or organizations to provide direct services;
(3)
monitor and evaluate at-risk youth prevention and diversion program performance;
(4)
provide technical assistance to at-risk youth prevention and diversion programs as needed;
(5)
promote cost-effectiveness strategies;
(6)
measure at-risk youth prevention and diversion program outcomes; and
(7)
provide fiscal and program reports to the Office.
(c)
As part of the prevention element of the 3-year plan developed by the Children’s Cabinet establishing priorities and strategies for the coordinated delivery of services for children and families, the local management board shall:
(1)
assess the adequacy, availability, and accessibility of current community-based services that:
(i)
prevent and divert entry and reentry into the juvenile system;
(ii)
provide alternatives to incarceration and institutionalization;
(iii)
prevent and divert criminal behavior; and
(iv)
increase personal responsibility and self-sufficiency;
(2)
identify unserved neighborhoods or communities with critical needs and significant numbers of at-risk or delinquent youth; and
(3)
recommend programs that can be established or enhanced to address the unmet needs of youth and their families.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 8-604 (2026)
Title 8. Children, Youth, and Families
Subtitle 6. At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs
§ 8–604LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A local management board shall apply to the Office for funding for an at-risk youth prevention and diversion program.
(b)
The application shall demonstrate that the local management board has convened a local planning group consisting of parents, youth, and representatives of public and private agencies that have knowledge of and experience working with at-risk youth and families.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 8-605 (2026)
Title 8. Children, Youth, and Families
Subtitle 6. At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs
§ 8–605LinkCopy Citation
On or before December 31 each year, the Office shall report:
(1)
to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the implementation and effectiveness of at–risk youth prevention and diversion programs; and
(2)
to the Department of Juvenile Services on:
(i)
the number of children referred to an at–risk youth prevention and diversion program in the previous year;
(ii)
the age, gender, and race of children referred to an at–risk youth prevention and diversion program in the previous year; and
(iii)
the number of children currently enrolled in an at–risk youth prevention and diversion program.