# Human Services (GHU)

## Title 9. Juvenile Services

### Subtitle 2. Department of Juvenile Services

#### Section 9-240

(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.

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