WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

COMMUNITY SERVICES

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


COMMISSION ON AGING

The Commission on Aging is the local area agency designated by Washington County to administer State and federal 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).

Grants of federal and State funds for local programs to serve the elderly 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.

The Commission on Aging advocates for the County’s senior citizens and provides programs and services necessary for seniors and those with disabilities to live as independently as possible.

Members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to three-year terms.

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
Long-Term Care Ombudsman staff and volunteers advocate for the rights of nursing-home residents and seniors in assisted-living facilities and continuing-care centers.

MARYLAND ACCESS POINT (MAP) CENTER
The Maryland Access Point (MAP) Center provides seniors with information on assisted-living facilities, in-home care and long-term care, Medicare, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities.

SENIOR CENTER
The Commission on Aging operates the Senior Activities Center in Hagerstown. For seniors age 55 and over, the Center offers exercise programs, arts and crafts, and educational opportunities, such as computer instruction, health classes, and chess club.


HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Housing Authority provides access to affordable and safe housing to the elderly, families, veterans, and low-income residents.

Three main programs are managed by the Authority: Family Self-Sufficiency, Housing Choice Voucher, and Landlord Participation.

The Housing Authority Board of Commissioners governs the Authority.


LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD

In Washington County, the Local Management Board is known as the Community Parnership for Children and Families. The Board coordinates a system of local services for Washington County children, youth, and families (Code Human Services Article, secs. 8-301 through 8-305). Health, education, social and justice services are provided to young people who may be moved from their home because of abuse, neglect, delinquency, or special needs. In the community, the Board coordinates services so that children, placed in programs out-of-state, may be helped closer to home.

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 Washington 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.

With the approval of the Secretary of Human Services and the advice of the Washington County Social Services Board, the Board of County Commissioners appoints the Director (Code Human Services Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-303).

The Department is assisted by the Citizen Review Board for Children, and the Social Services Board.

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