MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

COMMUNITY SERVICES

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for functions formerly overseen by the Health Department and the Department of Social Services.

Today, social service and public assistance programs in Montgomery County are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Director of the Department administers these programs subject to the supervision, direction, and control of the Social Services Administration, and the Family Investment Administration.

With the approval of the Secretary of Human Services and the advice of the Montgomery County Social Services Board, the County Executive appoints the Director (Code Human Services Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-303; County Charter, sec. 554).

The Department of Health and Human Services oversees Aging and Disability Services; Behavioral Health and Crisis Services; Children, Youth and Family Services; Community Affairs; Public Health Services; and Special-Needs Housing.

AGING & DISABILITY SERVICES
Within the Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Services is the local area agency designated by Montgomery County to administer federal and State funds for local senior citizen programs. These programs cover advocacy services, health education, housing, information and referral, in-home services, and nutrition (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-201 through 10-214).

For local programs to serve the elderly, grants of federal and State funds are provided by the federal Older Americans Act (Title III), the federal Food and Agriculture Act (sec. 700), and State general funds. The Department also receives local funds, private donations, and contributions from program participants.

At multiple locations throughout the County, Aging and Disabilities Services offers a variety of programs for seniors and persons with disabilities. Among these are Advocacy Services, the Maryland Access Point (MAP) Center, Meal Programs, and Senior Centers.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & CRISIS SERVICES


DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

When the Department of Social Services started as the Department of Public Welfare in 1939, the Welfare Board was the local administrative agency for public assistance (Chapter 99, Acts of 1939). The Department of Public Welfare assumed welfare responsibilities from the Welfare Board in 1967, and was renamed the Department of Social Services in 1968 (Chapter 148, Acts of 1967; Chapter 702, Acts of 1968).

Social service and public assistance programs in Montgomery County are the responsibility of the Department of Social Services. These include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the food stamp program), and Temporary Cash Assistance, as well as services for adoption, foster care, and child protection. To implement programs and provide support services to children and families in their communities, the Department also works with local organizations to offer education and training, transitional housing, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The Director of the Department administers these programs subject to the supervision, direction, and control of the Social Services Administration, and the Family Investment Administration.

The Department of Social Services is aided by the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board, the Citizen Review Board for Children, the Local Management Board, and the Social Services Board.

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