Baltimore County Juvenile Drug Court Implementaion Program

The Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program is designed to assist states, state courts, local courts, units of local government, and Indian tribal governments in developing and establishing drug courts for substance-abusing adult and juvenile offenders. Drug court programs funded by the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program are required by law to target nonviolent offenders. The Program supports the following activities: Adult drug court implementation, Juvenile drug court implementation, Family drug court implementation, Single jurisdiction drug court enhancement, Statewide drug court enhancement, and planning efforts.

The Circuit Court for Baltimore County seeks funding to implement a Juvenile Drug Court that would serve juveniles arrested throughout Baltimore County for non-violent, drug related offenses. The Juvenile Drug Court, launched as a pilot project in March 2003, has already enrolled seven youth and is well positioned to link clients to community-based services and closely monitor compliance. The Juvenile Drug Court recognizes that treatment for juveniles must address a wide array of school, family, social, health and substance abuse problems. Therefore, the Court strives to craft customized treatment plans for participants and provide them with meaningful incentives and rewards. The Court will monitor compliance through a unique combination of technology, frequent court appearances and a system of graduated incentives and sanctions.

CA/NCF