§ 9–240
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 9-240 (2026)
Title 9. Juvenile Services
Subtitle 2. Department of Juvenile Services
§ 9–240LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Step-down aftercare” means:
(i)
a network of programs that provide education and rehabilitation; and
(ii)
services and treatment to ease the transition of children from the custody of the Department to their homes and communities.
(3)
“Step-down aftercare plan” means an individualized plan for each child in step-down aftercare that proposes specific assistance, guidance, treatment, services, and supervision that:
(i)
prepares the child for reentry into the specific community to which the child will return;
(ii)
ensures the delivery of prescribed services to the child in the community; and
(iii)
monitors conduct in the community to ensure public safety.
(b)
(1)
A child discharged from a committed residential placement shall receive step-down aftercare for the period that the Department determines.
(2)
A child in step-down aftercare shall receive:
(i)
a step-down aftercare plan;
(ii)
supervision by step-down aftercare staff in accordance with the step-down aftercare plan;
(iii)
educational services; and
(iv)
any other services necessary to implement the step-down aftercare plan.
(c)
The step-down aftercare staff shall:
(1)
prepare a step-down aftercare plan for each child assigned to the step-down aftercare program and file the plan with the Department;
(2)
keep regular records concerning the progress of each child;
(3)
file with the Department a monthly progress report on each child; and
(4)
file with the Department an annual report on the outcome of step-down aftercare plans for the children in the step-down aftercare program, that includes to the extent possible:
(i)
information on the number of children who:
(1)
are rearrested;
(2)
are rearrested and charged with serious or violent offenses;
(3)
are rearrested and waived to the adult system;
(4)
are re-referred to the Department;
(5)
are readjudicated and recommitted;
(6)
graduate from high school or successfully complete a high school equivalency examination; and
(7)
are employed; and
(ii)
other relevant information.