Juvenile justice: How Maryland breaks the cycle of detention with family support
Kaisha YoungOver the last two decades, states across the U.S. — including Maryland — have shifted their approach to juvenile justice.
In 2018, the total number of juvenile detention admissions on the lower Eastern Shore dropped 12 percent from the previous year, according to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.
While there are many factors that may have contributed to the intake decline, the department's community-based treatment programs likely played a role. These services have been scientifically proven to reduce recidivism rates at a fraction of the cost of treating a juvenile inside a detention facility.
The push for community-based treatment for Maryland juveniles came to the forefront in 2014 when the state announced it had set aside $225 million to build three new juvenile detention facilities. Some people saw these proposed facilities, like the Maryland Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit, and argued the money would be better spent on multi-systemic and -functional family therapy instead.
“I believe there’s a recognition on everyone’s part that involvement in the criminal justice system is not a recipe for success,” said Jamie Dykes, the Wicomico County state’s attorney. “The community-based approach is where we're always going to see our best gains.”
In partnership with the Maryland Coalition of Families, the Department of Juvenile Services piloted the Family Peer Support Program last year in Wicomico, Baltimore, Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, as well as Baltimore city. The program is an extension of DJS’ community-based treatment model. Its goal is to improve engagement with DJS youth and their families.
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“This service is very different than any other service we have at the department,” said Kara Aanenson, the director of family engagement at DJS. “This program is for the parent so that the parent feels supported.”
Research shows that peer-to-peer support for parents and guardians of youth involved with the justice system can lead to better outcomes for juveniles. When parents actively participate in the juvenile justice process, youth report reduced anxiety and are more likely to have a smooth transition back into their community.
The program is mindful of parents’ many responsibilities and aims to be as accommodating as possible.
“Due to my work schedule, I would have been completely lost,” said Jamal Ashanti, a parent participating in the program in Wicomico County. “All the meetings were scheduled against me, but because of my worker, I was able to be there for my daughter.”
The Family Peer Support specialists who work with the parents can connect families to behavioral health or substance abuse resources, assist parents in completing necessary forms or applications, and accompany them in meetings with other agencies. Their role is designed to help parents navigate the juvenile justice system, which can sometimes be difficult to do on their own.
“If something is said in court and I don’t understand, I usually ask them what it means,” said Trina Dotson, another parent in the program."If it wasn't for the services, my son may not even be having freedom right now."
Even before stepping into her role as a Family Peer Support specialist, Christina Amedeo was no stranger to the juvenile justice system. She was once on the receiving end of the Maryland Coalition of Families’ services.
“You’re very isolated as a parent and that was very hard for me,” said Amedeo. “It became a passion for me to help other families never feel the way that I did.”
Every Family Peer Support specialist has a story like Amedeo’s. They’ve all had prior experiences with the juvenile justice system, whether it was their child, a family member, or even themselves.
The Family Peer Support program holds monthly open houses in each of its five jurisdictions. Amedeo encourages families of DJS youth to tap into the resources available for them.
“Everyone has a misconception that the department’s goal is to remove your child,” said Amedeo. “The actual goal is to keep the kids in the community and help them be successful.”
For more information on services available in your community, call the Maryland Coalition of Families at 410-730-8267 or email info@mdcoalition.org.
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