Sample Solution

investigation. It is possible that many of the formaled misdemeanor referrals were deemed ineligible for diversion due to prior referrals or current status with DJS, among other possible reasons. If this is the case, stakeholders should consider specialized diversion pathways and services that would be appropriate for youth with prior referrals or who are currently under supervision. Also, because drug referrals seem to be a significant driver of different rates of formal handling between Baltimore City and the rest of Maryland, officials should consider whether resources targeted specifically to address substance use and involvement in the distribution of controlled substances would enhance diversion opportunities for this subset of cases.

It is important to note that the analysis above does not compare rates of authorized formal petitions between Baltimore and the rest of the state for citations, ordinance violations, and children in need of services referrals. During FY 2018, Baltimore had very few of these kinds of referrals compared with the rest of the state. Due to the small number of cases in Baltimore City, a comparative analysis of case forwarding decisions for these referral types between Baltimore and the rest of the state would likely render misleading results. The fact that Baltimore has so few citation and ordinance violation referrals, which are for low-level behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol possession, suggests that law enforcement and others are not making arrests and referrals to the justice system for those reasons. This is encouraging, as it is a clear indication that law enforcement and others in Baltimore City are focusing resources on more serious situations.