Section 9-240.1 - Maryland Rising Program.

§ 9-240.1. Maryland Rising Program.
 

(a)  Program established.-  

(1) The Secretary shall establish a Program to attempt to provide a volunteer mentor for each child in the State who has spent at least 30 days in a committed placement. 

(2) The Program shall be called "Maryland Rising". 

(b)  Purpose.- The purpose of the Program is to provide individualized attention to a child: 

(1) to decrease the child's delinquent or violent behavior in the community; and 

(2) to increase the child's potential for becoming a productive, successful member of the community. 

(c)  Statewide network.-  

(1) To carry out the purpose of the Program, the Department shall develop a statewide network of State agencies, community agencies, citizen action groups, social services providers, volunteer organizations, college student groups, and other groups who will recruit volunteer mentors for the Program. 

(2) A mentor shall have frequent contact with the child and may provide the following services to the child: 

(i) informal counseling; 

(ii) tutoring; 

(iii) assisting the child with life skills training; 

(iv) working with the child's family or guardian; 

(v) interacting with the child's school or employer, if necessary; and 

(vi) other individualized support services that help the child avoid negative behaviors and become a successful, productive member of the community. 

(d)  Regulations.- The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section. 
 

[2007, ch. 526.]