How to Improve Youth Diversion Programs in Maryland
WASHINGTON (Feb. 24, 2021) Today, R Street criminal justice and civil liberties scholars Casey Witte and Emily Mooney released a high-level overview of the formal law enforcement-driven youth diversion programs in Maryland. They break down how county and municipal law enforcement agencies administer or partner with programs (where they exist), as well as reported outcomes and the challenges they face. Witte and Mooney also provide a policy roadmap to improve upon law enforcement-driven diversion opportunities across the state.
“While parts of Maryland have taken steps to establish and support law enforcement-driven youth diversion programs, the system can best be defined as a loose patchwork that often neglects rural counties in the state,” said Witte and Mooney. “The sooner that diversion programs can effectively engage youth, the better the potential gain for public safety in the future.”