# Human Services (GHU)

## Title 9. Juvenile Services

### Subtitle 2. Department of Juvenile Services

#### Section 9-240.1

(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.

---

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