specifically address youth charged with the civil violation of “possession of tobacco products under age 18”. A youth charged under this section would normally be sent to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services for a formal intake hearing. Youth who qualify for the project would instead be sent before a panel of their peers, moderated by an adult community leader, who will interview the youth about tobacco use. The panel will refer the youth to a smoking/tobacco education program conducted by the Charles County Health Department and if warranted impose graduated punitive sanctions to be completed in a specific time period. If the Smoking/tobacco program is completed successfully and all sanctions are completed as required, the case will be closed and will not be forwarded to the Department of Juvenile Services.

Participation in this program is voluntary and if the parents of a charged youth elect not to participate, the case will be forwarded to DJS.

Youth from 12 to 17 will be diverted from the criminal justice system based on contact history with DJS and Charles County Public Schools.