Eastern Shore Juvenile Justice Mental Health Collaboration Project

The Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JJMHCP) supports cross-system collaboration to improve responses and outcomes for youth with mental illness (MI) or co-occurring MI and substance abuse (CMISA) who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. This program supports public safety efforts through partnerships with juvenile justice, mental health and substance abuse agencies to enhance responses to justice-involved youth with MI and CMISA.

The Lower Eastern Shore Juvenile Justice Mental Health Collaboration Project is a collaboration between the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD)and Maple Shade Youth and Family Services. This project will improve outcomes for youth with MI/CMISA and their families, minimize justice involvement, and improve safety. The project includes the following activities: screening and engagement; assessment and planning; service coordination and support; and data collection, sharing, and evaluation. The interagency collaboration of Maple Shade’s mental health expertise with OPD’s juvenile defense practice will improve outcomes for MI/CMISA youth and their families, minimize the use of detention and commitment, reduce recidivism, and improve public safety. CA/NCF