Anne Arundel County

This local office offers the following services.

Adoption Services

Focuses on developing profiles of children and the placement of children who are legally free to be adopted. Adoption services are provided to relatives and non-relative caretakers. Post adoption services may include a monthly subsidy and medical assistance.

♦ For more information call: 410-897-3930

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Serves persons aged 18 and over who are unable to protect their own interests or are at risk of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. Adult Protective Services provides investigative services to protect the health, safety, and welfare of vulnerable adults.

Child Care Program

Also known as Purchase of Care (POC), coordinates child care services for eligible families and ensures payment to day care providers. Child Care services are provided to Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers participating in a work activity or a substance abuse treatment program as well as to other low-income working families.

Child Support Enforcement

Mission Statement

The Anne Arundel County Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is committed to pursuing the establishment, collection and enforcement of Child Support to ensure the economic well being of children. We work in partnership with our customers, the community, the court and other government agencies to see that children receive the financial support they need and deserve from both parents.

Address & Driving Directions

Anne Arundel County
Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)
Patricia M. Feeney, Administrator

Location:
2nd Floor – 44 Calvert Street
Annapolis, MD 21401

Public Telephone Number: (800) 332-6347 (local)
Fax Number: (410) 222-2804

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1870
Annapolis, MD 21404

Hours of Operation:
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday

How to Apply for Services

The State of Maryland Child Support Enforcement Administration requires all individuals requesting child support services to make application and pay a $25.00 non-refundable fee. Former recipients of Public Assistance may be fee exempt. If you have questions regarding the fee, please call 1-800-332-6347.

This regulation includes any child support case formerly supervised by the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) but now closed, or to any case closed because the custodial parent failed to cooperate in the filing or settlement of the case. It also applies to any case received as a result of a privately obtained court order requiring payment through Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE).

Please complete the attached Application for Services, Service Agreement, and Notice of Legal Representation. Return it to Office of Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 1870, Annapolis, MD 21404. You may send a certified or cashier’s check or money order through the mail, or you may pay in person by cash, certified or cashier’s check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted. The certified or cashier’s check or money order should be made payable to Office of Child Support Enforcement. Please indicate APPLICATION FEE on your payment. Do not send cash through the mail.

Please provide all the information requested on the application, including each person’s complete name, address (including zip code), birth date, race, sex, and Social Security number. If you are separated or divorced from the absent parent, you must provide a copy of any separation agreement and/or divorce decree. If there are any orders for custody, paternity, including affidavits of parentage, etc., you must provide a copy. If you do not have the needed information, there may be delays until it is obtained.

Our office must have a valid address for the absent parent before we can proceed on your behalf. If you have a good home or work address for the absent parent, indicate this in writing on the form. If you need locate services, you must indicate this on the form, and the application will be referred for Location activities.

When your application has been processed, and a confirmed address for the absent parent is provided, you will be contacted regarding filing your case or enforcement of your order.

You must complete a separate form for each person from whom you want support. However, only one (1) $25.00 application fee is required.

Frequently Asked Questions for Non-Custodial Parent/Payor

Please Note: The term “Obligor” means the absent parent/person paying child support. The term “Obligee” means the custodian of the child(ren)/person receiving support.

How is my child support amount determined?

Each child support award is based on a formula which takes into account the incomes of each of the parents, the number of children and specific expenses related to the care of those children. Things such as mortgage or rent payments, car payments, car insurance are not considered.

I am living with/married to someone else now. Does her/his income count?

Generally, no. However, if you no longer work because you are fully supported by your current partner, the court may determine you have the ability to earn income.

The obligee is living with/married to someone else now. Shouldn’t that person’s income count too?

Generally, no. For the same reason that your partner’s income wouldn’t count, the obligee’s partner’s income wouldn’t count.

My girlfriend/boyfriend/new spouse has a child which I am supporting. Can I get credit for supporting them since he/she lives with us?

No. You may only receive credit for a child for whom you are obligated to support by law. Generally, you are obligated to support your own biological children and legally adopted children. The reason for this is that there is another parent or guardian who is supposed to be financially responsible for that child(ren)’s support.

The child support will automatically come out of my paycheck, won’t it?

Generally, yes. The law now requires that all new orders have support payments made by way of an immediate earnings withholding order unless: (1) the parties agree to no immediate earnings withholding order; or (2) the court finds there is a good reason not to order an immediate earnings withholding order. If you change your job, you must notify the Enforcement Unit of the new employer so that the immediate earnings withholding order can be sent to that employer.

How long before my employer starts making deductions?

When a signed order is received at the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE), it is sent to your employer. Once your employer receives the immediate earnings withholding order, he/she is required to make a deduction within 10 days or the next pay period. Until you receive a paystub which shows that your employer has taken care of paying your support, you are responsible to send in your support payments to the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). You can speed this process up by taking a copy of the order to your employer and asking him/her to start making the deductions immediately.

My child support is deducted from my wages. When can the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) expect to receive my payment?Employers deduct child support payments according to the method/frequency by which they pay their employees. While most employers send the child support payments as they are deducted, some send the payments on an end-of-month basis. Check with your employer. AP (7/1/98)

How do I change the amount of my child support?

If you have had a substantial change in your earnings since the date the support order was signed, you may be entitled to ask the court to review your support order to determine if you are entitled to a decrease in support. You also have the right to request the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) to review your child support amount. The purpose of a review is to determine whether or not your child support needs to be changed. Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) may be limited in providing services to the obligor in a case established by this agency prior to 1997. You will be advised of this limitation if it applies in your case. You must file your request in writing. You cannot request a review by telephone. If the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) has previously represented the custodial parent in your case or upon your election you can hire a private attorney to do this for you, or you can visit the Pro Se Legal Clinic to obtain information on filing this request on your own.

Can you attach my unemployment or disability checks?

Yes. You should contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) as soon as your job status changes to make arrangements for paying your support so that you do not fall behind. Some types of disability payments that you receive also pay benefits to your child(ren). You should discuss this matter with an enforcement agent. In some cases, you can petition the court to have the disability benefits paid for the child(ren) count against your support obligation.

I just had another child with someone else. Shouldn’t I pay less support in this case?

Possibly. The child support guidelines do permit credit to be given if you are supporting other child(ren) of your own. You must file a request with the court to have your child support modified.

The obligee doesn’t let me see the child(ren). Do I have to pay support?

Yes. Regardless of whether or not you visit the child, the child still needs to be supported; however, if someone is wrongfully withholding visitation, you may be able to file a court case against them. You can contact the Anne Arundel County Lawyer Referral (410) 280-6961 to get a referral to a lawyer or you can visit the Pro Se Legal Clinic located on the 4th floor of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Courthouse to get information on filing the case yourself without a lawyer. The Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) has no authority to decide or enforce visitation or custody matters.

I received a summons for court. What do I do?

Anyone who receives a summons to appear in court must appear. If you fail to appear, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

What happens if I don’t pay my child support obligation as ordered by the court?

Maryland law allows the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE), through our attorneys, to file a court action when a payment is delinquent. The law also provides additional non-court remedies to enforce delinquent support payments, such as tax intercepts, lottery intercepts, asset seizures and license suspensions. If you are unable to pay your obligation as ordered, contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) in writing immediately.

Can the judge put me in jail if I don’t pay my support on time?

Yes. A judge could find that you are in contempt of court and put you in jail for failing to obey a court order which requires you to pay support. If you are having difficulty paying your support, contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) immediately.

I gave the obligee money last month for school clothes. Shouldn’t that count against my support?

No. The court order requires you to pay your support obligation through the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). Any payments you make to the obligee directly or payments you make to someone else on the obligee/child’s behalf are gifts. These gifts do not count against your support but are in addition to the support you owe under the court’s order.

Can I talk to an agent?

In order to assist you, we have customer service staff that are trained to answer your questions and advise you of your case status. If they cannot answer your questions, a complete message is taken and given to an agent. Due to the number of inquiries received, please allow sufficient time to investigate and respond to your problem.

How do I change my name, address, telephone number, and/or job information?

You can visit the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) and fill out an inquiry form. You may also put the change in writing and mail the information to us. Please remember to include your 9-digit case number.

I want to be sure my payment was received. What do I do?

Call 1-800-723-9937. You will need to enter your 9-digit case number.

I now have custody of the child(ren). Do I still have to pay support?

Until the court issues another order, you will continue to be legally responsible to pay support as directed by the latest order. You should file a modification request with the court immediately which explains the change in custody. Contact Anne Arundel County Lawyer Referral Service at (410) 280-6961 for a referral to an attorney or visit the Pro Se Legal Clinic on the 4th floor of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Courthouse for information on filing the request for yourself.

How can I obtain a copy of my court order?

If your case is resolved at the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE), a copy of the court order will be mailed to you. If you need an additional copy, you may go to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court located at Church Circle,. Annapolis, Maryland and request a copy. There is a small fee for copies.

The obligee is no longer receiving public assistance money. Do I still have to pay child support to the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE)

Yes. The court order requires you to pay support whether or not public assistance is being provided.

The obligee wants to close the child support case. What do we do?

If the obligee no longer wants the services of the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE), he/she can send a written, notarized request to the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) requesting that his/her case be closed. This only means that the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) will no longer be collecting support from you. The case is placed on an “inactive” status and can be reopened at any time in the future. If there is any arrearage due the State, you must pay that before your case can be closed. Do not assume that your case has been closed until you receive verification from the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE).

I got a notice that my license will be suspended. How can I prevent this from happening?

You can call the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) and make an appointment to see an agent.

My driver’s license has been suspended. How do I get it back?

In order to get your license back after it has been suspended, you only have three choices:

1) Pay the arrearage in full;
2) Pay the child support for six (6) consecutive months;
3) Go to court and have a judge order it to be reinstated. You may also apply for a work restricted license at the Motor Vehicle Administration.

I received a notice that my tax refund has been sent to you. I called the ’800′ number and it hasn’t been applied to my account. Where is my money?

Tax money is no longer processed by the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). We get no prior notice as to when the State Child Support Enforcement Administration receives or processes the tax money. Questions should be directed to the State Child Support Enforcement Administration at 1-800-332-6347.

My tax refund will overpay my account. What happens to my overpayment?

If the arrearage is paid in full, the overpayment will be refunded to you.

My child will still be in high school when he/she turns 18. Is my child still entitled to Child Support?

YES. Effective October 1, 2002, a child who turns 18 & is still enrolled in secondary school has the right to receive support maintenance from both parents until the person graduates or is no longer enrolled in a secondary school. Contact the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) at 1-800-332-6347 for information on continued support.

Frequently Asked Questions for Custodial Parent/Payee

Please Note: The term “Obligor” means the absent parent/person paying child support. The term “Obligee” means the custodian of the child(ren)/person receiving support.

How is my child support amount determined?

Can I get retroactive support?

Generally no. However, if the case goes to court, it is up to the Judge to determine whether or not to make support retroactive.

Can you represent me in custody and visitation matters?

No, the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE)/Legal Unit is only permitted to deal with issues concerning support. You may obtain your own legal representation in custody or visitation matters. You may call the Anne Arundel County Lawyer Referral Service at (410) 280-6961.

Can you enforce a separation agreement?

No, in order to collect or enforce a child support obligation, Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) must be provided with a court order that has been signed by a judge.

How long will it take to process my case?

The length of time varies based on the type of case and on the specific details of your case. When one of the parties is out of state, the other state’s laws also influence how long it takes to complete each step of the case.

It’s taking too long to get my court order for child support. I want to hire a lawyer to do this for me. What happens to the case I filed at Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE)?

We would no longer pursue your case. However, you may have your attorney request that the final order include payments through Child Support Enforcement(OCSE).

I filed a case to get child support established through the Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). I have no court order yet. I filed a case through the court for custody/visitation. Will Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) continue to pursue my child support case?

Generally, no.

I am living with/married to someone else now. Does her/his income count?

Generally, no. However, if you no longer work because you are fully supported by your current partner, the court may determine you have the ability to earn income.

He/she lives with/married to someone now. Does her/his income count?

Generally, no.

He/she just had another child, but my child(ren) was born first. Shouldn’t my child get more money?

Not necessarily. The child support guidelines permit credit to be given if the obligor is supporting other children of his own. It doesn’t matter which children were born first.

What if he says he’s not the father of my child(ren)?

If the person you identified as the father denies paternity, he can request that genetic blood tests be performed. You, your child, and he will be given an opportunity to voluntarily participate in genetic blood testing at our expense. An appointment will be scheduled to take blood samples from each of you under highly supervised conditions at the Child Support Enforcement(OCSE).

What if the father fails to voluntarily appear for the blood test?

If the parties fail to cooperate, the court will order genetic testing and blood samples taken on a specific date from both parents and the child(ren). The test takes place at Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). If the test indicates that he is the father, he may have to pay for the blood test.

Do all states handle cases the same?

No. While every state has its own child support process using its own state guidelines, laws and regulations, all states have the same goals of establishing paternity, collection and enforcing support.

Will child support automatically come out of the obligor’s paycheck?

Generally, yes. The law now requires that all new orders have support payments made by way of an immediate earnings withholding unless: (1) the parties agree to no immediate earnings withholding order; or (2) the court finds there is a good reason not to order an immediate earnings withholding order.

My child support is deducted from the obligor’s wages. When can I expect to receive my payment?

Employers deduct child support payments according to the method/frequency by which they pay their employees. While most employers send the child support payments as they are deducted, some send the payments on a monthly basis. The Central Disbursement Unit (CDU) has two (2) working days to process a payment after it has been received.

He/she is on disability or receiving worker’s compensation. Can you attach that?

Yes. Please note that some types of disability payments may pay benefits directly to your children. You should discuss this matter with an agent in the enforcement unit.

He/she is receiving unemployment. Can you attach that?

Yes. If you find out that the obligor is receiving unemployment benefits, you should advise an enforcement agent.

He/she is paid ‘under the table.’ Can you attach that?

No. “Under the table” wages means that the employer is not reporting wages or paying taxes. Sometimes cash payments are being made so that there is no record of wages. The Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) can attach reported wages, not “under the table” payments.

He/she is self-employed. Can you attach that?

No. A wage attachment only works when there is someone other than the obligor who can deduct the support from the obligor’s paycheck.

Who do I contact if I do not receive payment?

You should first call 1-800-723-9937 to see whether or not a payment has been received. You will need to enter your 9-digit case number. If no payments have been received and it has been 30 days since you have received a payment, you may contact the enforcement unit to pursue enforcement of your court order.

I received a summons for court, but I have no car. What should I do?

Anyone who receives a summons to appear in court must appear. If you fail to appear, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Can I talk to an agent?

How do I change my name, address, telephone number?

You can visit the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) and fill out an inquiry form. You may also put the change in writing and mail the information to the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). Please include your name, the name of the absent parent, and your 9-digit case number.

How do I increase the amount of my child support?

In order to change the amount of support, the court order must be modified. Generally, this office can review an order every three (3) years, upon request. If it has been three (3) years since the date of the last order, three (3) years since the date of the last increase review, OR THERE HAS BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL AND CONTINUING CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES you may send a written request to the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). Please include your 9-digit case number. A form will be sent to you to fill out and return to the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE). Once received, your case will be referred to our Legal Unit for review. The Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) will advise you in writing of any action taken. In the event Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) rejects your case for review or adjustment services, you can hire a private attorney to do this for you, or you can visit the Pro Se Legal Clinic to obtain information on filing this request on your own. Please be advised that this agency is required to provide the same review and modification services to an obligor requesting a decrease.

What should I do if the child(ren) go to live with the obligor?

Notify the Office of Child Support Enforcement(OCSE) in writing of the date the child(ren) went to live with the obligor. Please include your 9-digit case number. An agent will respond back to you.

What should I do if the child(ren) go to live with someone else?

You must immediately notify the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) in writing of the change and the person’s name, address, and telephone number. Please include your 9-digit case number.

I want to close my case. What should I do?

Send a NOTARIZED STATEMENT requesting the case closing, the reason for the closing, the date of change, and if you want arrears collected. Please include your 9-digit case number. However, the obligor must pay any arrearage balance that is due the State.

How can I get a copy of my court order?

If your case is resolved at the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), a copy of the court order will be mailed to you. If you need an additional copy, you may go to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court located at Church Circle,. Annapolis, Maryland and request a copy. There is a small fee for copies.

My TCA (public assistance benefits) just closed. What happens to my child support?

The computer system will automatically send child support payments that are received by the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) to you.

How long will it take to get my support payments?

The Central Disbursement Unit (CDU) has two (2) working days to process a payment after it has been received.

Why can’t the judge put him/her in jail when he/she doesn’t pay on time?

The obligor must be at least 30 days late before enforcement action can begin. The case must be scheduled and a summons must be personally served on the obligor in order for a hearing to be held. At that time, he/she has the right to appear before the court to explain why he/she has not paid pursuant to the court order.

The obligor’s tax refund was taken and sent to your agency. I called the ’800′ number and it hasn’t been applied to my account yet. Where is my money?

Tax money is no longer processed by the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE). We get no prior notice as to when the State Child Support Enforcement Administration receives or processes the tax money. Questions should be directed to the State Child Support Enforcement Administration at 1-800-332-6347.

My child will still be in high school when he/she turns 18. Is my child still entitled to Child Support?

Forms

Click on the highlighted text below to get the form you want. You may then print the form, fill it out, and mail it to the proper address via the U.S. Postal Service.

At this time, we cannot accept electronic or e-mailed applications. We apologize for any inconvienence this may cause.

Application For Child Support Services

If you receive Temporary Cash Assistance or Medical Assistance, child support services will be provided free of charge. If not, you will need to fill out the application for child support services with your local child support enforcement office and pay a one-time fee of $25 when you file your application.

Form 980A: Application (pdf)*
Form 980: Information For Support Enforcement Services (pdf)*
Form: Service Agreement (pdf)*
Form: Notice of Legal Representation (pdf)*

*Above files are in pdf format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. If you do not already have the reader click the Acrobat image below.

News

Letter to Parents

Dear Parents,

As you may have heard, a recent federal law now requires that all states have one central location from which child support payments will be disbursed. In the State of Maryland, this new office is located in Baltimore and is under the direction of the Department of Human Resources, Office of Collections Management. The reasons for this change are: first, to make it easier for payors and employers by having one address to send all payments, and second, to shorten processing time through the use of the latest technology.

The advanced system installed at the centralized location speeds up processing by relying on a computer’s prodigal memory. An actual image of every check is scanned into the system, and with each first scan all of the relative case information is manually entered. After this initial entry simply scanning the routing number will automatically bring up all of the pertinent data connected with that check.

A gradual roll out process by county was developed for the entire state. Anne Arundel County was included in the second wave of the roll out in December 1999. Notice of this change was mailed to payors and to a large percentage of the employers we do business with, advising that payments should be sent to the centralized location starting December 1st. Another mass mailing went out February 1, 2000 and by the end of February, all liens as well as all other payments should all be going to the Baltimore location. But never fear—Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) will continue to process payments made in person at our office or in Court.

Here is the information for mailing payments:

Make checks payable to the “Maryland Child Support Account” and send to:

Maryland Child Support Account
P.O. Box 17396
Baltimore, MD 21297-1396

For payment information please call:
410-962-1110
Inside the Baltimore Metropolitan Area
or
1-800-723-9937
Outside the Baltimore Metropolitan Area

Thanks for your cooperation and patience as we continue to enhance our system in order to ensure that children receive much needed support as expediently as possible.

Sincerely,

Anne Arundel County
Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)

Community Initiatives

The Community Initiatives unit provides outreach programs, services, volunteers and students to the agency. Contact Chris Poulsen, Program Manager at 410-269-4460 or chris.poulsen@maryland.gov

Back-To-School Donor Program

Remember the excitement of the first day of school? Your new notebooks, pencils and backpack?

Share that memory by assisting a child who needs help getting ready for the next school year. For 23 years we have helped elementary school children who qualify for Federal Lunch assistance in Anne Arundel County.

Here’s how the program works:

Donors (individuals, businesses, churches, schools, organizations, and groups) are matched with children in need of school supplies and are provided a standardized list of the required supplies. The donors purchase supplies and backpacks and deliver the items to the Guidance Office at the elementary schools the 2nd week in August.
On average, school supplies cost between $50 and $75, depending upon the child’s grade in school.

It’s easy to help! Simply fill out the Back to School Donor Form below and submit it to us. Beginning in July, we’ll e-mail you the name of a child (ren) you can help. Please check your SPAM filter for correspondence. For more information, contact the Back to School Program office at 410-269-4462 or Tanya.Steele@maryland.gov .

This is a joint program between the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services and the Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The program matches donors with children in elementary schools who are in need of school supplies and backpacks. Donors shop and deliver the supplies to the schools in the County. Volunteers staff the office from May until September 1st.

Holiday Sharing

Holiday Sharing matches donors to seniors and/or families in need during Thanksgiving & Christmas. Donors shop for food, clothing, and toys for the holiday and personally deliver to the household. Volunteers staff the office from the end of September until January 1st. This program has been in operation for 29 years at DSS.

Generous Juror Program

This program creates a lay fund to support activities that benefit foster children in the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services and the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA). This program is funded solely on the benevolence of jurors who donate their jury duty stipend to this account. Expenditures from this fund are only for items and services not covered under any current Federal, State or County budgets. Volunteers are needed to talk to the jurors at the Circuit Court in Annapolis, Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9:00 am – 9:30 am.

Homeless Resource Day

The County Executive sponsors this “one-day, one stop” event where individuals and families experiencing homelessness can access benefits, medical care, substance abuse resources, mental health counseling, and a variety of social services which can ultimately lead to housing and self sufficiency. It is a way to offer short and long term services to homeless residents of Anne Arundel County in one central location. Adults will also benefit from transportation, haircuts, housing information, job assistance, MVA, veteran’s benefits, credit counseling and other quality of life resources.

Homeless Resource Day relies on volunteers and donations from the community. You can help by donating your time, goods, services, or money. Food donations are detailed in the donation flyer. Other non-monetary donations include: socks, underwear, backpacks, personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.), disposable wipes, and hand sanitizers (all in trial or travel sizes). Monetary donations can be sent to: Anne Arundel Department of Social Services, 80 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, ATTN: Homeless Resource Day. Please visit the Anne Arundel County website at www.aacounty.org/HomelessResource beginning in the late fall of every year for more details on how you can help.

Homeless Services

Under the homeless services is the Homeless Coordinator. The Homeless Coordinator works closely with the homeless service providers and shelters in the county and manages the homeless database (Homless Management Information System). Homeless services includes Anne Arundel County’s Annual Homeless Resource Day held at the end of March. Homeless services also include the coordination of the Annual Homeless Point In Time Survey and the Annual Homeless Assessment Report.

Please contant Justin Bieler at 410-269-4749 or justin.bieler@maryland.gov for more information.

Mentoring Program

Volunteer Mentors are matched with at-risk youth in the Child Welfare Program. Mentors are trained to work one-on-one and in-group settings with children in a structured year-long relationship. The mentors work as part of a team with our social workers. The mentors act as positive role models providing guidance and support. Male mentors are especially needed. Contact tanya.steele@maryland.gov or 410-269-4461

Representative Payee Program

The Representative Payee program matches volunteers with single adults who are mentally or physically disabled. The volunteers handle the finances for these adults. Referrals into the program are made through county agency staff. This program is for adults who are financially dependent upon Social Security with some small pension. Training is provided for volunteers.

Volunteers/Students

Volunteers are used throughout the agency assisting units and aiding programs. The agency places 20-25 students each year. These students are completing a field placement in social work for school credit. Students may be from a community college, college or graduate school level.

Family Support Services

Assists in the preservation of families and rebuilding of lives to prevent out-of-home placement. Anyone can make a referral, but the family must be willing to accept services.

Food Stamps (FS)

Increases the food purchasing capability of families and individuals. Most persons receiving TCA and TDAP are eligible for Food Stamps, as are others with low income.

Foster Care Services (FCS)

Provides services to court-committed children and to adults who are interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents.

♦ For more information call: 410-897-3930

In-Home Aide Services (IHAS)

Provides services to the elderly, disabled, ill, handicapped and those who need assistance with daily activities in order to remain in their homes. In addition, IHAS provides a parenting and job readiness program.

Medical Assistance (MA)

Provides a federal entitlement program that allows low-income individuals to obtain medical care and treatment.

Project HOME

Manages the Certified Adult Residential Environment (CARE) housing programs and provides supportive housing and case management to disabled adults, including persons with AIDS.

Social Services to Adults (SSTA)

Provides social work services to persons aged 18 years and older who are not caring for children. Case management and crisis intervention services provide customers with links to community resources and internal BCDSS programs.

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

Provides a time limited cash assistance program for families to promote individual responsibility and self-sufficiency.