Maryland

This document discusses policies for transition of youth involved with the Maryland juvenile justice system, both upon admission to a detention facility and upon release from detention. Specific policies are set forth for youth in detention programs and for youth in committed programs. In both policies, facility staff are tasked with ensuring that the youth’s education records are received and reviewed within three days of admission to the program and that an education plan based on the program’s average length of stay is established.

This program is funded through the Promising and Effective Practices Network and cited by Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as an example of a program to assist youth in successful transition to the workforce. OJJDP describes Fresh Start, Living Classrooms Foundations as a “program that provides hands-on work experiences and educational programs to youth recently released from a secure residential facility. Youth build and repair boats and engines, work in a marina, and have the opportunity to sail aboard foundation vessels.”

In Maryland, the Department of Education is responsible for developing and implementing juvenile services educational programs at all residential facilities operated by the Department of Juvenile Services. MD Code, Educ., § 22-303. However, a 2015 investigation by the Baltimore Sun identified the assumption of responsibility for the provision of educational services within juvenile facilities as moot without additional funding or supports for teachers within the facilities. See, Criticism Leveled at Schools for Maryland Juvenile Offenders, Baltimore Sun, Dec.