Juvenile Law - Probation and Treatment Services - Required Disposition (Parental Accountability Act)

SB 737, the "Parental Accountability Act," requires Maryland juvenile courts to place children on probation (instead of out-of-home placement) if they’ve repeatedly committed specific offenses: violent acts (like crimes of violence or firearm use) or been adjudicated as habitually truant more than once. The probation must include a court-approved treatment service plan and mandate participation from the child’s parents, guardians, or custodians in rehabilitation services. This bill directly affects youth with repeat offenses in these categories and their families, shifting focus from confinement to structured support. It amends Maryland’s juvenile code to prioritize treatment plans over secure detention for qualifying cases, excluding minor offenses like first-time cannabis possession or technical violations.