Baltimore’s SideStep youth program faces legal threat over data access, with prosecutors demanding transparency despite privacy laws.

Baltimore’s youth diversion program, SideStep, is under scrutiny after State’s Attorney Ivan Bates warned of legal action over MONSE’s refusal to share detailed participant data, citing concerns about transparency and program effectiveness. Despite spending nearly $25,000 on an evaluation, MONSE failed to provide records or access to evaluators, with officials citing state laws protecting juvenile privacy. Bates argues constitutional principles should override these restrictions, stressing the need for oversight. While MONSE claims a 21-of-26 non-recidivism rate within six months, a longer-term analysis shows a 40% re-offense rate, challenging the program’s success. Bates insists prosecutors and the Department of Juvenile Services must lead such efforts, warning that without full data access, litigation may follow.