Section 9-240 - Step-down aftercare. - Maryland Statutes

§ 9-240. Step-down aftercare.
 

(a)  Definitions.-  

(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)  Services required.-  

(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)  Duties of staff.- 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. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 83C, § 2-127.1; 2007, ch. 3, § 2.]