Revised July 1995

Governor's Commission on Disruptive Youth

1. Why was the Commission formed?

The Governor's Commission on Disruptive Youth by Executive Order was created on October 4, 1993. This Order recognizes the need to understand the complexities of disruptive youth and how they affect the educational system and the quality of life. To ensure participation of all knowledgeable groups, the Commission became an interagency coalition. Its goal was to recommend prevention and intervention strategies to control and reduce disruptive youth problems.

2. Who was appointed to the Commission?

The seventeen member Commission, chaired by the Honorable Henry B. Heller, included representatives from five state agencies, the General Assembly, associations, and the public at large.

3. What was the Commission's charge?

The Commission's charge was to: Examine the problems of disruptive students, including the problems posed for teachers, classmates, schools, parents, and communities. Review the current law and the effects of past legislative action pertaining to the issue of disruptive students. Identify any weaknesses in the current law. Recommend changes in the law and in the State's human services and education systems that might better meet the needs of these children and the community. The Commission submitted its final report to the Governor in the fall of 1994.

4. What were the Commission's recommendations?

The Commission examined disruptive youth problems and studied past legislation and current law. It developed six recommendations that offer a far-reaching approach to the issue: Link schools, communities, agencies and families to provide services to disruptive youth and their families that are coordinated and will lead to educational achievement. Recognize and address students' social and emotional adjustment as the foundation of academic achievement. Design a plan for a safe and secure school environment. Consolidate all judicial matters involving children, youth and families. Involve the media in efforts to reduce violence in schools and communities. Develop, incorporate, or enhance a community mentor program as an integral part of the school environment.

5. What will the implementation of these recommendations cost the State of Maryland?

The Commission considered practical solutions to the problem of disruptive youth without letting financial considerations limit creativity or advocacy. The recommendations presented in the report range in cost from minimal to very expensive; however, financial costs represent only half of the equation. The cost of implementing the recommendations must be balanced by the anticipated savings, derived by controlling and decreasing disruptive behavior among our youth.