2013 Maryland Code
HUMAN SERVICES
§ 9-240 - Step-down aftercare

§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.

§ 9-240 - 1. Maryland Rising Program.

(a) Program established. --

(1) The Secretary shall establish a Program to attempt to provide a volunteer mentor for each child in the State who has spent at least 30 days in a committed placement.

(2) The Program shall be called "Maryland Rising".

(b) Purpose. -- The purpose of the Program is to provide individualized attention to a child:

(1) to decrease the child's delinquent or violent behavior in the community; and

(2) to increase the child's potential for becoming a productive, successful member of the community.

(c) Statewide network. --

(1) To carry out the purpose of the Program, the Department shall develop a statewide network of State agencies, community agencies, citizen action groups, social services providers, volunteer organizations, college student groups, and other groups who will recruit volunteer mentors for the Program.

(2) A mentor shall have frequent contact with the child and may provide the following services to the child:

(i) informal counseling;

(ii) tutoring;

(iii) assisting the child with life skills training;

(iv) working with the child's family or guardian;

(v) interacting with the child's school or employer, if necessary; and

(vi) other individualized support services that help the child avoid negative behaviors and become a successful, productive member of the community.

(d) Regulations. -- The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.