Maryland Department of Juvenile Services

Kids with guns . . . Teen Pregnancy . . . Drug Dealing . . . AIDS

It's getting harder and harder in today's society to be a youngster. Temptations and influences are everywhere. It wasn't very long ago that cutting school was a serious offense for a teenager. Today the dropout rate in some areas is sky-high, and kids are going to schools with cell phones and guns. As today's society becomes more complex, so do the lives of those who live in it.

But there is help for troubled youth. The Department of Juvenile Services is staffed with qualified professionals who are trained to deal with youngsters' problems, ranging from truancy to serious drug dependency. These professionals are ready and willing to share their knowledge and expertise with your organization through our Department's Speakers Bureau.

Our Speaker's Bureau members can address topics relating to troubled youth, including:

	Substance abuse and delinquency
	Learning Disabilities and delinquency
	Profiles of at-risk youth
	The DJS Continuum of Care
	Recognizing the signs of a youth in trouble
	Young women and the juvenile justice system
	Gang Awareness

Speaker's Bureau members can also speak to some of the good, positive things that are happening for kids:

	Alternatives to secure facilities
	Mentoring programs
	Innovative vocational programs
	Volunteers, Student Interns and Foster Grandparents programs
	Success stories: kids who have made a difference

Staff members at DJS include youth supervisors, DJS case management specialists, teachers, researchers, facility superintendents, DJS program specialists, advocates, and other professionals working to change young people's lives. They are willing and ready to discuss with your group their experience and expertise in dealing with young people.

There is no fee for one of our speakers. We only request ample notice so that we may match an appropriate speaker to meet your needs. If you are interested in arranging for someone to attend your group's meeting, or you would like more information, please contact: