Maryland § 9-240.1

§ 9-240.1.

    (a)    (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)    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)    (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)    The Department may adopt regulations to implement this section.