Emerging Adults

The Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and Listening is Key, LLC/Everfourward, LLC has developed a program to intervene with emerging adults. We are identifying young men and women between the ages of 18 and 26 to provide them with an opportunity to change their lives after becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

Individuals in this age group make up a substantial number of the felony cases prosecuted by the office. Many of these individuals are charged with violent crimes and/or felony handgun possession. They are facing lengthy or mandatory periods of incarceration. However, we know that they will be returning to our community without receiving the benefit of any services to assist them with life after incarceration.

State’s Attorney Braveboy recognizes that these young people have not fully developed emotionally and mentally. Young people in general tend to make mistakes and at times they need an opportunity to recover from those mistakes and deserve a second chance.

These young men and women will be held accountable for the crimes they have committed. The Emerging Adults Program will intervene with these individuals while they are incarcerated to provide them with the services they need to address the root of their involvement in the criminal justice system. They will be provided with skills to cope with life after incarceration. The program will partner with employment providers such as Employ Prince George’s, The Builder’s Trade Union, and the Painter’s Union who will assist our emerging adults with job placement information and resources after returning to the community.

Our goal is for these Emerging Adults to return to the community less likely to reoffend, and as productive gainfully employed members of our County. Giving these young people a second chance will help Prince George’s County be safer and help young people get back on the path towards success.