Gun Violence Reduction (THRIVE)
Thrive Academy
The Department of Juvenile Services hopes to reduce shooting incidents among DJS-involved youth. The core of the DJS gun violence reduction strategy is the Thrive Academy, which launched in 2024 in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties. With DJS's Youth Engagement and Safety Services oversight, the program expanded to Montgomery County in 2025 and will be available statewide in Fiscal Year 2026.
Identifying high-risk youth
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and DJS Research and Evaluation conducted analyses of cases in Maryland to support identification of youth at high risk for gun violence as a victim or as a perpetrator.
DJS can then intervene with immediate and intensive services. Youth are identified for the Thrive Academy through consideration of data-driven predictive factors, combined with human intelligence about gun possession, alleged use, or risk of being victimized by gun crime.
Engagement and services
Thrive Academy youth are under active court orders for formal supervision and receive a robust set of services, supports, and supervision for a period of 9 to 12 months. Engagement in services can begin prior to discharge from a committed program or upon court-ordered probation supervision in the community. Each youth is assigned a Life Coach from community-based organizations staffed by “credible messengers.”
Credible messengers are individuals who have had life experiences similar to those of the program participants, and therefore are better able to make and sustain strong connections with youth that often extend beyond program participation.
Intervention approach
- Robust case management model for youth who present highest risk for gun violence as victim and/or perpetrator.
- Youth identified and selected through a combination of predictive factors and human intelligence
Case management model
- Individual life coach
- Strengths-based life plan
- DJS case manager
- Daily contacts
- 24-hour access to emergency support, including on weekends
Additionally, each youth may benefit from:
- Stipends for milestone achievements and consistent participation
- Access to weekend supports, workforce development programming
- Educational services, tuition assistance for first semesters of advanced study
- Weekly prosocial activities
- Family activities and supports
- Access to emergency resources for basic needs
- Violence disruption and mediation services
- Trauma-informed counseling services