NCJ Number
165621
Date Published
1996
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Aftercare services for juvenile offenders in Maryland and the State's efforts to develop a model for tracking recidivism are discussed.
Abstract
The caseload of the Department of Juvenile Justice has increased over the past several years. At the same time the department has experienced resource constrains that have seriously limited programming options. Maryland has no set aftercare program. The aftercare case manager assigned as soon as the youth is adjudicated and remanded to custody is a full member of the treatment team, prepares a service plan within a month of the youth's discharge, and updates the service plan every 90 days. The implementation of the policies and procedures varies across the State due to differences in jurisdiction size, the distance of the child's placement, and staff workload. Workload is the most significant factor. Field services staffing and funding have increased at a slower rate than caseloads. An increasing amount of research supports the cost-effectiveness of implementing longer-term strategies that aim preventive programs at very young children exposed to certain risks. Other States have established creative and effective aftercare programs. The Department of Juvenile Justice has decided to track four types of recidivism measures. The department plans to complete two recidivism studies to assist future resource allocations. The department has progressed in some critical areas and still has some areas that need to be improved. Recommendations and figures