UPPER MARLBORO, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Changes to a law impacting the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services aim to hold children as young as 10 years accountable for crimes they commit.
The new law was passed in April but goes into effect Friday.
The changes come as many people say it’s concerning that juveniles who commit these crimes are sent straight home because of their age and that’s what led lawmakers to make some changes to the juvenile justice system.
“Our job is to correct them and get them on the right path,” said Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.
Starting November 1st, children age 10 and older will be held accountable for their crimes.
“No one likes prosecuting young kids, but I also look at it as an opportunity to meaningfully intervene in their lives, to figure out what went wrong and then try to help fix it,” said Braveboy.
This comes as more children are committing “delinquent acts” that adults would normally be prosecuted for including carjackings, animal cruelty and even a third-degree sex offense.