The Special Secretary maintains liaison with
State and local government agencies to coordinate
services and the use of resources. From repre-
sentative local Children's Councils and other child
advocacy groups, including parents, the Special
Secretary receives advice on the resources, needs,
and priorities of different localities. In addition, the
Special Secretary provides public information on
children's services in the State and advises the leg-
islature on the needs of children and their families.
The Special Secretary for Children, Youth, and
Families is appointed by and serves at the pleasure
of the Governor and is directly responsible to the
Governor. Within the Office are the Children's Trust
Fund Advisory Board; the Governor's Council on
Child Abuse and Neglect; the Licensing Policy
Board; the State Coordinating Council; the Chil-
dren and Family Services Reform Initiative; the
Governor's Council on Adolescent Pregnancy; and
Prevention and Early Intervention for Young Chil-
dren. The Office also maintains contact with
twenty-four local Children's Councils (Code 1957,
Art. 49D, secs. 1-29).

DIRECTOR
Susan Kleinberg, Ph.D., Director
(410) 225-4160

The Director of the Office for Children, Youth,
and Families oversees the work of the Children's
Trust Fund Advisory Board; the Governor's Coun-
cil on Child Abuse and Neglect; the Licensing
Policy Board; the Children's Councils; and the
State Coordinating Council.

CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND ADVISORY BOARD
Phyllis B. Brotman, Chairperson, 1995
Deborah D. Richardson, Vice-Chairperson, 1991

Contact: Dianne Madoni (410) 225-4160

The Children's Trust Fund provides grants to
public and private community-based organizations
and agencies for innovative programs to prevent
child abuse and provide treatment. Formed in
1989, the Children's Trust Fund Advisory Board
reviews applications for grants from the Fund
(Chapter 757, Acts of 1989).
The Governor appoints the Board's nine mem-
bers to three-year terms (Code 1957, Art. 49D,
secs. 6-7).

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON
CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
Pamela F. Corckran, Chairperson, 1992

Contact: Dianne Madoni (410) 225-4160

The Governor's Council on Child Abuse and
Neglect was created by the Governor in 1986 (Ex-
ecutive Order 01.01.1986.07). The Council advises
the Governor on the implementation and effective-

ness of programs to prevent, detect, and treat child
abuse and neglect. The Council is part of the Office
for Children, Youth, and Families for budgetary,
administrative and staffing purposes only.

LICENSING POLICY BOARD
Susan Kleinberg, Ph.D., Chairperson

Contact: Pam Williams (410) 225-4160

The Licensing Policy Board was formed by the
Governor's Subcabinet for Children, Youth and
Families in January 1991. The Board was created to
develop a coordinated process for licensing and
regulating residential child care facilities; identify
and assure technical assistance to providers and
potential providers; and track development of new
residential resources.
In September 1991, the Board promulgated
regulations to coordinate the licensing process for
residential child care facilities in all agencies. Now,
potential providers can learn about Maryland's li-
censing standards from one source. The Board also
conducts technical assistance workshops and offers
a manual for potential providers. In addition, the
Board is developing core regulations covering com-
mon administrative and facility issues.
Board members include providers, consumers,
and representatives from the State Department of
Education, the Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, the Department of Human Resources,
and the Department of Juvenile Services.

CHILDREN'S COUNCILS
Local Children's Councils exist in each county
and in Baltimore City. Within their jurisdictions, the
Children's Councils evaluate public and private pro-
grams, services, and plans for children; analyze
departmental plans and budget requests affecting
children's programs and services; and review the use
and availability of federal, State, local and private
funds. They identify, document, and communicate
needs, resources, and priorities to the local govern-
ing body and to the Office for Children, Youth, and
Families. The Councils also provide public informa-
tion on children's programs and services.
Each Council is appointed by the chief executive
officer of the county. For Baltimore City, appoint-
ments are made by the Mayor. Each Council in-
cludes representatives of the local departments of
health, education, and social services, and members
appointed at large. Members serve three-year terms
(Code 1957, Art. 49D, sec. 5).

STATE COORDINATING COUNCIL
Chairperson: Jean S. Clarren, designee of
Secretary of Human Resources
Jon Hackbarth, Executive Director
(410) 333-1803