Charles County Department of Social Services

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

SERVICE INTAKE -- 301-392-6724

The function of the Service Intake Unit is to provide a single point of entry for all social service programs. Referrals are accepted by telephone, by mail, or in person.

SERVICES TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN (SFC) -- 301-392-6724

SFC provides crisis intervention and referrals to community resources in the areas of health, parenting, school adjustment, and family relationships. The goals of SFC are to enhance family functioning, promote self-sufficiency, and prevent abuse or neglect. Special emphasis is placed on serving Family Investment participants.

FAMILY PRESERVATION -- 301-392-6724

Family Preservation provides family-centered, time limited services to families whose children are at risk of out-of-home placements. A social worker and parent aide provide a team approach to the delivery of family preservation services. Upon completion of the program, the family may be referred to other continuing services programs or community resources.

PARENT AIDE SERVICES -- 301-392-6724

Trained Parent Aides provide services to families who are at risk of abuse or neglect. They serve as role models and teachers to parents.

HOUSING SERVICES -- 301-392-6724

Housing counselors assist homeless families and adults in their search for stable housing. Aftercare supportive services are also available to assist clients in maintaining their newly acquired housing. This includes assistance and referrals to activities that will help clients achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CPS) -- 301-392-6739

This department is required by law to respond to all reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. CPS investigators are responsible for assessing the safety of children and taking steps to make alternative placements if necessary for the safety of the child.
Continuing services are available to help families resolve problems that led to abuse or neglect , and to and monitor the safety of the child.
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect must be reported to the Department.
To report suspected abuse or neglect during regular working hours, call 301-392-6739; or call the Sheriff's Office after hours, on weekends, and holidays at 301-934-2222.

FOSTER CARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN -- 301-392-6724

Foster Care provides a temporary living arrangement for children who cannot remain at home because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Care is short-term until a permanent plan is made. Efforts are made to reunite the family through counseling and remediation of existing family dysfunction.

The Department actively recruits families to provide foster homes for these children. Orientation and ongoing training are provided to help foster parents participate in services to the child. Foster parents are reimbursed for clothing, room and board.

TREATMENT FOSTER CARE -- 301-392-6724

Treatment Foster Care is available to medically fragile and emotionally disturbed children. Treatment Foster Care provides full-time, intensive supervision to children with special needs in a setting that is less restrictive than group homes or institutions.

ADOPTION SERVICES -- 301-392-6724

Services and counseling are available to parents interested in placing a child for adoption. With an emphasis on special needs children, adoptive homes are recruited for placements of children who are available for adoption.