ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The removal of Vincent Schiraldi as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services drew sharp reactions across the political aisle Monday, with Senate Republicans calling the move “long overdue” and Governor Wes Moore naming Betsy Fox Tolentino as acting secretary.
Tolentino, who will officially step into the role on June 11, brings nearly two decades of experience in criminal and juvenile justice, most recently as managing director at the Roca Impact Institute. Her appointment comes amid growing scrutiny of the department’s operations and leadership.
“From day one, Senate Republicans warned that Schiraldi’s decarceration-above-all philosophy was a dangerous mismatch for an already troubled agency,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey. “He presided over widespread failures—violent juveniles released with no real supervision, mismanaged contracts, and a complete breakdown in collaboration.”
Senate Republicans, who opposed Schiraldi’s confirmation last year, said his leadership isolated the department from key stakeholders and left frontline staff without support. “Law enforcement, state’s attorneys, local leaders—all lost confidence in his leadership,” Hershey said.
Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready criticized the administration’s delay in making the leadership change. “For months, Governor Moore defended the indefensible,” Ready said. “This change is welcome, but it doesn’t erase the damage already done.”
Governor Moore acknowledged the department’s ongoing challenges but praised Tolentino as the right person to lead through the next phase of reform.
“We knew when we took office that the Department of Juvenile Services was one of the most troubled in state government,” Moore said. “Betsy Fox Tolentino’s focus on safety, executional excellence, and accountability is exactly what we need at this moment.”
Tolentino previously served as Deputy Secretary of Community Operations at DJS, where she led efforts to improve coordination between police and the department. Senate President Bill Ferguson and other lawmakers expressed optimism about her experience and approach.
“Her organizational management skills will be an asset to reform,” Ferguson said. “I look forward to hearing her vision for accountability, rehabilitation, and collaboration.”
Despite the leadership change, Republicans say the problems at DJS run deeper. “Removing Schiraldi is just step one,” Hershey said. “We need a full overhaul—new leadership, operational experience, and above all, accountability.”
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