Betsy Tolentino

Sen. Will Smith speaks in favor of his Youth Charging Reform Act on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 on the Senate floor in Annapolis, Md.

WYPR News

Maryland Senate gives initial approval to bill limiting youth auto charging

Sarah Petrowich

The bill is a diluted version of Sen. Will Smith’s initial proposal, only striking five of the 33 crimes eligible for juveniles to be automatically charged as adults.

Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Betsy Fox Tolentino testifies in favor of the Youth Charging Reform Act on Feb. 4, 2026, in the Miller Senate Building in Annapolis, Md.

WYPR News

Maryland lawmakers on track to confirm new DJS secretary following departmental turmoil

Sarah Petrowich

Betsy Fox Tolentino has been leading the Department of Juvenile Services for over seven months and state legislators appear ready to make her appointment official.

Betsy Fox Tolentino was named acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services in June.

Programs

Betsy Fox Tolentino, no stranger to youth justice, steps into lead role at Department of Juvenile Services

Tom Hall, Teria Rogers, Sam Bermas-Dawes

Betsy Tolentino became Acting Secretary of Juvenile Services in June 2025, following the departure of Vincent Schiraldi.