​The juvenile justice process in Maryland begins when a youth is brought to one of DJS' intake offices across Maryland either because he or she was arrested by the police or is the subject of a citizen complaint.

The Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is involved in each stage of the juvenile justice process in Maryland. However, DJS is not alone in the process. DJS collaborates with law enforcement, courts, attorneys, youth, families, communities, and other state agencies and service providers at various stages.

Step-by-Step Flow Chart of ​the Juvenile Justice Process in Maryland​

The Department of Juvenile Services Does:

• Assess every youth who is brought to one of DJS' intake centers in the areas of public safety, flight risk, prior court records, family/home life, school and work status, and medical and mental health issues.
• After completing the assessment of a youth, DJS provides the juvenile court a report of findings and makes recommendations to the court regarding the best course of action for the youth such as treatment and services. DJS shares the recommendation with the court who has the discretion to approve, deny, or modify DJS recommendations.
• Based on the court’s decision, DJS could be responsible for connecting the youth and family to services or supervising the young person.
• Assign one or more case managers to every youth involved in the juvenile court system.
• Provide intensive community supervision for youth deemed most vulnerable to become perpetrators or victims of crime. If a youth is placed on community supervision (Probation or community d​etention​) DJS may make contacts with the youth and family via phone, in person at their home or school, or in the local DJS office. DJS also monitors compliance with any other conditions imposed by the court and reports back to the court regularly with updates.
• Coordinate services, such as substance abuse programs and mentoring, for youth in DJS' care living in the community.
• Operate juvenile detention programs throughout Maryland.
• Operate ​juvenile treatment programs throughout Maryland.
• Operate a shelter program in Maryland.
• Provide medical services to every youth residing in DJS-operated facilities.
• Provide mental health services to every youth residing in DJS-operated facilities.
• Provide schooling, in collaboration with the Juvenile S​ervices Education Board and Program​​, to every youth residing in DJS-operated facilities.
• Offer vocational training opportunities to youth who reside in certain DJS-operated facilities and youth residing in their community.
• Develop re-entry and aftercare plans for every youth returning to their community from an out-of-home treatment program.

The Department of Juvenile Services Does Not:

• ​Arrest youth.
• Serve youth with arrest or search warrants.
• Investigate crimes with youth suspects.
• Charge youth with offenses.
• Make final decisions as to whether a youth will be detained in the community or a secure detention facility.
• Make final decisions regarding whether a youth will receive treatment in the community or a secure treatment facility.
• Make final decisions regarding whether a youth will be released from a secure detention facility or secure treatment.
• Emancipate minors from their parents.