# COMAR Title 16 — Department of Juvenile Services

## Subtitle 17 — Community Nonresidential Services

### Chapter 02 — Youth Diversion Programs

#### Regulation .02 Purpose.

*COMAR 16.17.02.02*

The purpose of a youth diversion program is to:

A. Provide preadjudicatory services for alleged juvenile offenders to reduce penetration into the Juvenile Services system and decrease the likelihood for further delinquent behavior;

B. Provide services on a cost-free basis;

C. Function as advocates of youth needs;

D. Provide counseling (individual, family and group), referral and information services, crisis intervention, and informal counseling;

E. Provide, in accordance with particular community needs, tutoring, alternative leisure activities, employment assistance for older youth, community education, and other specialized services at convenient hours;

F. Service primarily youth from the Department of Juvenile Service' intake and the State's Attorney's Office;

G. Service, in accordance with the contracted number, a formal caseload, that is, those cases requiring a written referral, intake report, service plan, and sequential case documentation. In addition, a specified counselor shall be assigned and case follow-up performed.