When Gov. Wes Moore asked me to lead the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve been an advocate for some of the country’s most at-risk youth, including a decade of service within the agency the governor tapped me to run. This is my dream job. And one of my first orders of business as DJS secretary is to further align our work at the agency with Gov. Moore’s Young Men and Boys Initiative.
The labor force participation for young men in Maryland is at a 20-year low. Across the country, college attainment levels for men and boys are the same now as they were in 1964 – the year the Civil Rights Act was signed into law. Our state still sends youth to prison at twice the national rate. Ninety-two percent of young people under DJS care are male.
The system has failed our young men and boys. Now, it’s up to us to chart a new path forward.
Our efforts start with rebuilding trust. Since taking office, I’ve met with frontline workers, law enforcement, elected officials, union leaders, and our young people. We’ve had some hard – and necessary – conversations. In nearly every discussion, I hear about the lack of trust between DJS and the community. People no longer believe DJS is acting in the best interests of our young people and communities. We have to change that…