'Need to do more:' Balt. Co. State's Attorney calls for change in juvenile justice system

Jessica Babb | FOX45 News | May 28th 2025 | Original Source

As juvenile cases hit Scott Shellenberger's desk, the Baltimore County State's Attorney continues to advocate for more changes in the juvenile justice system.

"Everywhere I go, I tell people that we need to do more in the juvenile justice system," Shellenberger said. "More money, more programs, more systems, because my goal is, that if we can help a juvenile when they are 13 or 14 and they do their first crime, then maybe we don't have to put them in jail for the rest of their lives when they kill somebody at the age of 17 or 18."

Shellenberger was one of many State's Attorneys who advocated for stronger laws, which went into effect last year. An attempt to turn back time after juvenile laws were changed in 2022.

"We didn't quite get back to where we were before but we did get to a better place," he said.

Shellenberger said his office has seen an increase in cases, in part because of the new laws, which expand jurisdiction over 10,11, and 12 year olds for certain crimes, including those related to weapons, sex offenses, and animal cruelty. Additionally, all felonies and handgun cases must be sent to State's Attorney Offices.

Now, Shellenberger says more still needs to be done to improve the system. Specifically, he is advocating for additional funding, and improved and expanded programs to support juveniles and their families. He said he wants to reach juveniles and get them the help they need before they reoffend.

"The other thing I think we need to do is not just look at the juvenile, but look at the family, and try and help the family so this doesn't continue to happen" Shellenberger said.

Since the Department of Juvenile Services typically decides what happens to juveniles after they are arrested, Shellenberger said he also wants to ensure kids and teens end up in front of a judge, which can emphasize the seriousness of their actions. He also said in some cases, juveniles may need to be detained to receive specific programs, including psychiatric help.

Shellenberger said he plans to meet with Governor Wes Moore to discuss his concerns and continue advocating for change.

"We need to get this right," he said.

When asked if Governor Wes Moore is open to or will consider making changes in the juvenile justice system, in a statement, a spokesperson for the Governor said, "Governor Moore and his administration continue to actively meet and work with State Attorneys from all across Maryland. That close collaboration is seen as Maryland boasts some of the most impressive crime drops in the entire country—homicides, non-fatal shootings, and overall violent crime have all seen significant drops. According to preliminary data, we are on track to have the lowest number of homicides statewide since 2014. Homicides decreased by 32% statewide since 2021, and by 41% in Baltimore City. This past year Baltimore saw its lowest recorded total of homicides since 2011, and we’ve seen the violent crime rate drop for the third year in a row."

"While Governor Moore is incredibly proud of the work that has been done in partnership with local, state, and federal officials, he recognizes there is still work to be done and he intends to work with Maryland’s States Attorneys to continue that progress," the statement continued to say.