Md. House backs diversionary programs for some first-time child offenders

The House of Delegates on Wednesday voted for law enforcement officers to refer first-time offenders of car theft or gun possession between the ages of 10 and 12 to diversionary programs as part of broader reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system. Diversionary programs, which many but not all jurisdictions have, are intended to help children change their behavior and avoid the juvenile system, House Judiciary Committee Chair Luke Clippinger, a Baltimore City Democrat spearheading juvenile justice changes in his chamber, said Wednesday.