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> Equal Justice for All Youth - Success Stories

The Disproportionate Minority Contact Reduction Initiative Committee (DMCRIC) works to ensure that children and youth who come into contact with the Montgomery County, Maryland juvenile justice system receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Here’s the story of how this group of the Collaboration Council supported one family.

Strength and Empowerment Begin with Participation: Helping Families Overcome Barriers

When a child is involved with the juvenile justice system, the demands on a parent’s time can be overwhelming-especially in the case of a single parent.

Jane had two sons who were involved with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS). She lost her job because she had to take off so much time from work to attend all the required court appointments, mental health sessions, facility visits and meetings for her sons.

Without a car or money for public transit, it became impossible for Jane to attend DJS staff meetings about her sons’ progress. As a result, she had many unanswered questions.

The Montgomery County Federation of Families was able to provide a cab to take her to and from the DJS meetings.

The Parent Engagement Coordinator from the Federation helped Jane prepare for the meetings, and attended the meetings with her. As a result, Jane was able to get all of her concerns addressed and receive additional material to help, such as pamphlets, and information on workshops.

Jane has been very pleased with the assistance she received from the Federation of Families because she felt that if she had not attended the meetings, DJS would have perceived her as a parent who was unconcerned about her sons’ welfare. Her sons, too, saw their mother’s involvement and support.