The Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is an executive agency whose primary task is to appropriately manage, supervise and treat youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system in Maryland.
DJS is involved in nearly every stage of the juvenile justice process from the moment a youth is brought into a juvenile intake center by the police or as a result of a citizen complaint to the time when a youth returns to the community after completing treatment.
Our Mission
By law, DJS is a child-serving agency responsible for assessing the individual needs of referred youth and providing intake, detention, probation, commitment, and after-care services.
DJS collaborates with youth, families, schools, community partners, law enforcement, and other public agencies to coordinate services and resources to contribute to safer communities.
Our Vision
Successful Youth, Strong Leaders, Safer Communities.
Our Goals
Reduce violence against children through collaboration with law enforcement and other agency partners.
Reduce recidivism for supervised or committed youth.
Keep supervised and committed youth safe while holding youth accountable for their actions.
Promote continuums of care for referred and delinquent youth.
Build, maintain and empower a diverse, competent, and professional workforce.
Enhance the quality, availability and use of technology.
