Before taking on the challenge of addressing youth crime during the 2024 legislative session, Maryland lawmakers listened at town halls and to briefings from prosecutors, defense attorneys, police, medical personnel and impacted families. So did Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Vincent Schiraldi, Gov. Wes Moore’s controversial, reform-focused cabinet pick. Schiraldi, chosen by Moore to helm an understaffed and financially mismanaged agency as firearm possession and car theft charges among Maryland youth increased, is heralded by many juvenile justice advocates as an expert in his field and an exciting pick to head the department responsible for tamping down youth crime.
