# Human Services (GHU)

## Title 9. Juvenile Services

### Subtitle 2. Department of Juvenile Services

#### Section 9-216

(a) The Department is the central administrative department for:

  (1) juvenile intake, detention authorization, community detention, investigation, probation, protective supervision, predelinquent diversion services, and aftercare services; and

  (2) the State juvenile diagnostic, training, detention, and rehabilitation institutions.

(b) The Department shall:

  (1) develop programs for predelinquent children whose behavior tends to lead to contact with law enforcement agencies;

  (2) promote predelinquent programs, including greater utilization of youth services bureaus under Sec. 9-234 of this subtitle, that provide services to divert children from the juvenile justice system;

  (3) collaborate with local governments to encourage the use of predelinquent programs provided by youth services bureaus under Sec. 9-234 of this subtitle in response to identified community needs; and

  (4) provide technical assistance to local governments and youth services bureaus under Sec. 9-234 of this subtitle to identify alternative funding sources for predelinquent programs.

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Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)