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APDM Receives Funding for Children’s Defense Intervention Project


We are thrilled to announce that APDM has received funding from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to support the Children’s Defense Intervention Project in Baltimore County.


This groundbreaking program provides secondary and tertiary gun violence prevention efforts for youth charged with gun possession. Through a holistic approach, the program offers screening, assessment, planning, advocacy, referrals, mentorship, and critical support via social work and mentoring support. With these services, we aim to address the underlying causes of gun possession among youth, including trauma and exposure to violence, while reducing recidivism and promoting positive life outcomes.


The funding will enable OPD to:

  • Dedicate personnel to this project.

  • Facilitate in-state travel for direct client engagement.

  • Provide training and professional development for staff.

  • Create a client needs fund to assist with essential items like transportation and other necessities.


The need for this program is urgent. Recent data highlights a troubling rise in gun violence affecting justice-involved youth. According to a September 2023 research brief by the Department of Juvenile Services, young people are four times more likely to be victims of gun violence than a decade ago. Furthermore, many youths carry guns out of fear for their safety, underscoring the importance of trauma-informed, community-based interventions.


Children accused of gun possession in Maryland are automatically charged as adults, leading to incarceration without the support or services they need. This cycle increases the likelihood of continued justice involvement and escalated exposure to violence. By focusing on Baltimore County—home to the highest number of juvenile complaints statewide and one of the highest youth rearrest rates—this pilot program aims to create a model for effective, evidence-based intervention strategies.


The Children’s Defense Intervention Project seeks to break the cycle of gun violence and incarceration by prioritizing prevention, support, and long-term well-being. With this funding, APDM is committed to ensuring brighter futures for Baltimore County’s youth.


Stay tuned for updates as we launch this vital initiative. Together, we can make a difference!


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APDM

Created in 2012, APDM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to support the work of the Maryland Public Defender.

Email:      apdm@apdmaryland.org

Phone:     410.767.9853

Address:  6 St. Paul Street, 14th Floor ·                 Baltimore, MD 21202

Registered Charity: 45-4788005

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