State Advisory Board

What is the State Advisory Board?

Formed in 1966, the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services is comprised of distinguished citizens with backgrounds in the legal field, law enforcement, and child advocacy. The Board provides overall strategic guidance to the agency (Chapter 126, Acts of 1966). Members are appointed by the Governor to three-year terms, the Board consists of nineteen members and the Governor names the chair (Human Services Article, § 9-211 through § 9-215).

The State Advisory Board will include representatives from each of the following:

(A) State Agencies
(B) Judiciary
(C) Community Stakeholders

Roles and Responsibilities

The Board consults and advises the Secretary of Juvenile Services regarding policies and programs to improve juvenile services across the state. The Board participates in planning the development and use of available resources to meet the needs of the department.

Maryland statute requires that the State Advisory Board meet six times in a fiscal year. Terms for each member last three years and members may serve up to two consecutive terms. At the end of a term, a member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed.

Subcommittees

Pathways to Education Subcommittee:

The mission of the subcommittee is to collaborate with all stakeholders in the juvenile justice and educational systems in Maryland to explore alternative pathways to education for justice involved youths in Maryland.

Fatality Review Subcommittee:

The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS or Department) Fatality Review Subcommittee (FRS) is designed to assist DJS and its stakeholders within the Maryland juvenile justice system with the examination of circumstances surrounding fatal events involving youth under the supervision of the Department and with recommending future preventative measures.

These efforts will support the Department’s collaborative approach to policy decision making and commitment to transparency by tasking members of the Department’s State Advisory Board (SAB) with examining circumstances surrounding fatal events involving youth. Specifically, the SAB will examine two scenarios subject to this scrutiny:

youth who are convicted or adjudicated of causing the death of another while under DJS supervision; and
the death of a youth while under DJS supervision.

How to Apply

To apply to serve on the DJS State Advisory Board, fill out the application located on the Governor’s Appointments Office website:

https://govappointments.maryland.gov/instructions-for-filling-out-the-general-application-form/

Any questions regarding the State Advisory Board may be directed to Kara Aanenson.

Kara Aanenson
Director, Legislation, Policy and Reform
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services
217 East Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21202
410-230-3362 - Office
410-230-3143 - Fax
Kara.Aanenson@maryland.gov

Future Meeting Dates and Locations

All meetings will be held virtually. A link for public viewing will be posted here in advance of the meeting, or contact Kara Aanenson with DJS for more information or with any questions.