Juvenile arrests in Baltimore County rose dramatically from 6,918 in 2002 to 12,461 in 2004. Since reaching 12,461 in 2004, the number of juvenile arrests has gradually declined to 5,244 in 2013, the lowest number within the past 13 years of available data. This represents approximately a 58% reduction in arrests since 2004. This follows national juvenile crime data trends. While there are a number of theories as to why juvenile crime numbers have gone down, most jurisdictions generally point to the reform of the juvenile justice system over the past decade or more. Diversion, restorative justice and evidence-based treatment programs are also believed to be having a positive impact on juvenile crime in Baltimore County.

Abilities Network, Inc.

Catholic Charities, Inc.

Community Solutions, Inc.

Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health

Baltimore County Police Department, Police Counseling Team

Lighthouse, Inc.

First Step, Inc.

Dundalk Youth Services Center

University of MD, Institute for Innovation and Implementation

Baltimore County Department of Social Services

MD Department of Juvenile Services

Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office

Baltimore County Office of the Public Defender

Circuit Court for Baltimore County

The family is a primary component of pro-social development in children. It is the main source of emotional and physical support, learning opportunities, and moral guidance. In instances when the family cannot fulfill these responsibilities, children often suffer the consequences. Family dysfunction (e.g., family history of violence, favorable attitudes toward problem behaviors, poor socialization, poor discipline, family disorganization) is an important influence on delinquent behavior, and research suggests that family-based programs that improve functioning should reduce problem behaviors. In 2003, the Local Management Board, in collaboration with State, County, and private partners, developed a strategic initiative to improve outcomes for pre-delinquent to seriously, chronically delinquent youth by creating a continuum of evidence-based programs designed to strengthen family functioning through therapy, education, and skills training. The overarching goal of this initiative, from 2003 through today, is to reduce the number of juvenile arrests. The following programs are currently in operation.

• Healthy Families (funded by CCIF, MSDE, DHMH, the Abilities Network and Baltimore County) Healthy Families is a voluntary home visiting program which promotes the success of families through services that include increasing access to somatic and behavioral health care, teaching positive parenting skills, promoting access to social support systems and monitoring child development. Beginning in FY2015, Healthy Families Baltimore County receives home visiting funds from the Affordable Care Act as a result of a program expansion undertaken in collaboration with the Baltimore County Department of Health. The HFA program model has been enhanced by the incorporation of a Public Health Nurse that provides home visits and consultations to supplement the work of the Family Support Workers.

• Multi-Systemic Therapy (funded by DJS and BHA) – Program provides juvenile delinquency and substance abuse intervention services for middle and high school youth.
• Disproportionate Minority Contact Reduction Project (funded by GOCCP and Baltimore County) - Supports the development and implementation of policy and program interventions designed to reduce the disproportionate contact of minority youth with the juvenile justice system.
• Youth Services Bureaus (funded by CCIF and Baltimore County) - Funds provided to designated community-based organizations to provide individual, family and group counseling, crisis intervention, information and referral and substance abuse assessment services.
• CINS Diversion Program (funded by DJS) - Provides engagement, screening and referral services for status offenders and their families to prevent further contact with the Department of Juvenile Services.
• Functional Family Therapy (funded by CCIF and DHR) – Program provides juvenile delinquency early intervention services for youth aged 10-17 years of age.
• Respondent Notification Project (funded by GOCCP and Baltimore County) - Provides reminder phone calls to youth and families with upcoming hearings in the juvenile court to ensure appearance scheduled; prevents the unnecessary issuance of failure-to-appear writs that increase unnecessary detentions.
• Brief Strategic Family Therapy (funded by GOC Earned Reinvestment, Baltimore County, DJS and Catholic Charities) – Program is designed for children ages 6-12 exhibiting pre-delinquent and associated at-risk behaviors.
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (funded by Baltimore County and Catholic Charities) – Developed for children 2-7 with externalizing behavior disorders, the program teaches parents specific skills to establish or strengthen a nurturing relationship with their child while encouraging pro-social behavior and discouraging negative behavior.