§ 9–240.1
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 9-240.1 (2026)
Title 9. Juvenile Services
Subtitle 2. Department of Juvenile Services
§ 9–240.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The Secretary shall establish a Program to attempt to provide a volunteer mentor for each child in the State who has spent at least 30 days in a committed placement.
(2)
The Program shall be called “Maryland Rising”.
(b)
The purpose of the Program is to provide individualized attention to a child:
(1)
to decrease the child’s delinquent or violent behavior in the community; and
(2)
to increase the child’s potential for becoming a productive, successful member of the community.
(c)
(1)
To carry out the purpose of the Program, the Department shall develop a statewide network of State agencies, community agencies, citizen action groups, social services providers, volunteer organizations, college student groups, and other groups who will recruit volunteer mentors for the Program.
(2)
A mentor shall have frequent contact with the child and may provide the following services to the child:
(i)
informal counseling;
(ii)
tutoring;
(iii)
assisting the child with life skills training;
(iv)
working with the child’s family or guardian;
(v)
interacting with the child’s school or employer, if necessary; and
(vi)
other individualized support services that help the child avoid negative behaviors and become a successful, productive member of the community.
(d)
The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.