NCJ Number
110337
Date Published
1987
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report explains how a committee established by the Maryland State legislature monitors and assesses the State juvenile services agency.
Abstract
The committee was created by legislative direction to provide continuing oversight and evaluation of initiatives undertaken by the juvenile services agency. The committee consists of two State senators, two State delegates, and two judges. The committee met monthly with the executive director of the juvenile services agency and her staff to exchange information and to monitor policy changes that were being planned or initiated. The policy issues monitored by the committee included guidelines for secure facilities; the development of a plan to guide agency decisionmaking in intake, classification, and treatment; the creation of assessment teams for every region of the State as well as the development of standards and procedures for intake; and the reorganization of institutional and community programs. The committee and the agency also discussed the agency's mission as defined by legislation, pending agency reorganization, and how the agency can serve children with special needs. At the end of the report, the oversight committee presents 14 findings and recommendations pursuant to its review and assessment of initiatives and policy changes of the juvenile services agency.