Maryland Statutes
Part II - Facilities, Programs, and Services
Section 9-240 - Step-Down Aftercare

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
        (2)    “Step-down aftercare” means:
            (i)    a network of programs that provide education and rehabilitation; and
            (ii)    services and treatment to ease the transition of children from the custody of the Department to their homes and communities.
        (3)    “Step-down aftercare plan” means an individualized plan for each child in step-down aftercare that proposes specific assistance, guidance, treatment, services, and supervision that:
            (i)    prepares the child for reentry into the specific community to which the child will return;
            (ii)    ensures the delivery of prescribed services to the child in the community; and
            (iii)    monitors conduct in the community to ensure public safety.
    (b)    (1)    A child discharged from a committed residential placement shall receive step-down aftercare for the period that the Department determines.
        (2)    A child in step-down aftercare shall receive:
            (i)    a step-down aftercare plan;
            (ii)    supervision by step-down aftercare staff in accordance with the step-down aftercare plan;
            (iii)    educational services; and
            (iv)    any other services necessary to implement the step-down aftercare plan.
    (c)    The step-down aftercare staff shall:
        (1)    prepare a step-down aftercare plan for each child assigned to the step-down aftercare program and file the plan with the Department;
        (2)    keep regular records concerning the progress of each child;
        (3)    file with the Department a monthly progress report on each child; and
        (4)    file with the Department an annual report on the outcome of step-down aftercare plans for the children in the step-down aftercare program, that includes to the extent possible:
            (i)    information on the number of children who:
                1.    are rearrested;
                2.    are rearrested and charged with serious or violent offenses;
                3.    are rearrested and waived to the adult system;
                4.    are re-referred to the Department;
                5.    are readjudicated and recommitted;
                6.    graduate from high school or successfully complete a high school equivalency examination; and
                7.    are employed; and
            (ii)    other relevant information.