Introducing the Children’s Defense Intervention Project and Our Dedicated Staff

The Children’s Defense Intervention Project is a groundbreaking initiative that helps to provide secondary and tertiary gun violence prevention efforts for children charged with gun possession-related offenses in Baltimore County. The program’s goals are to reduce youth-related gun violence and to decrease incarceration and recidivism among justice-involved children.

Youth charged with gun crimes often have histories of deep trauma and deprivation. If these factors are not addressed or are made worse by incarceration, they put young people at risk for violence. The program, therefore, applies the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) model to the legal system, focusing on providing trauma-informed care and support to youth involved in the justice system. This program is embedded in the Maryland Office of the Public Defender’s Juvenile Division in Baltimore County, ensuring a seamless integration of legal defense and community-based support. This program is grounded in public health principles, with the ultimate goal of promoting healing, preventing reoffending, and helping young people navigate the complex challenges they face.

The program is made possible through funding from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, specifically through the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (VIPP), which provides crucial resources for this important work.

We are excited to introduce our team members, who will play a vital role in the success of the program:

Sarah Roogow, LMSW: Sarah joins the team as a social worker, bringing her expertise in trauma-informed care and case management to support youth and their families. Her clinical skills will be invaluable in guiding youth through their healing process and connecting them with essential services to promote long-term success.

Dontae Talbot, Peer Recovery Specialist: Dontae brings over 24 years of experience working with youth in various community organizations such as Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, the Department of Juvenile Services, and Catholic Charities. Having grown up in Baltimore's Pigtown and Lexington Terrace neighborhoods, Dontae’s personal journey—from overcoming early adversity to becoming a mentor for others—allows him to deeply connect with the children he serves. His expertise and lived experience will help provide essential support as he empowers young people to make positive changes in their lives.

Sarah and Dontae's combined expertise is key to providing multifaceted support to young people with complex needs and providing a restorative approach to gun violence prevention in their communities.