<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 16.17.02.02" title_num="16" subtitle_num="17" chapter_num="02" heading="Purpose.">
  <text>The purpose of a youth diversion program is to:</text>
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Provide preadjudicatory services for alleged juvenile offenders to reduce penetration into the Juvenile Services system and decrease the likelihood for further delinquent behavior;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Provide services on a cost-free basis;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Function as advocates of youth needs;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Provide counseling (individual, family and group), referral and information services, crisis intervention, and informal counseling;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>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;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Service primarily youth from the Department of Juvenile Service' intake and the State's Attorney's Office;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>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.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>