FREDERICK COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

COMMUNITY SERVICES

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

AGING & INDEPENDENCE DIVISION

In December 1965, the Aging and Independence Division started as the Department of Aging. Later, the Department was placed under the Citizens Services Division. In July 2018, the Department of Aging, as recommended by the Seniors First Committee, reformed as the Senior Services Division. On July1, 2023, the Division reorganized as the Aging and Independence Division.

The Aging and Independence Division is the local area agency designated by Frederick 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; County Code, sec. 1-2-73.1).

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

Assisting the Division are the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board and the Senior Services Advisory Board.

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

SENIOR CENTERS
In Frederick County, four Senior Centers offer programs to help seniors maintain wellness and independence. Speakers, workshops, special events, and day trips are scheduled, along with enrichment and social opportunities, and fitness classes. Senior Centers are located at Brunswick, Emmitsburg, Frederick, and Urbana.


FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION


[photo, Former site of Frederick County Citizen Services Division, 520 North Market St., Frederick, Maryland] Originally called the Citizen Services Division, the unit changed its name to the Family Services Division on July 1, 2023.

The Family Services Division oversees the Child Advocacy Center, Family Parnership, the Local Management Board, and the Scott Key Center, as well as Housing and Human Relations.

Formerly located at 520 North Market St. in Frederick, the Division moved to 5370 Public Safety Place on November 27, 2013, and then to 401 Sagner Avenue in September 2017.

Former site of Frederick County Citizens Services Division, 520 North Market St., Frederick, Maryland, January 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.


HOUSING DIVISION
The Housing Division originated as the Department of Housing and Community Development, and reformed under its present name on July 1, 2023.

Today, the Housing Division aims to provide affordable housing to those with disabilities, the elderly, and residents of low to moderate income.

Programs under the Division include: Bell Court Senior Apartments, Homebuyer, Housing Choice Voucher, Housing Rehabilitation, Indoor Plumbing, Lead Hazard Grant and Loan, and Special Targeted Applicant Rehabilitation.

LOCAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
In Frederick County, the Local Management Board is known as the Office for Children and Families. The Board coordinates a system of local services for Frederick 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.

SCOTT KEY CENTER
In March 1966, the Scott Key Center began operations as a private center for individuals with disabilities. In 1978, when responsibility for children with disabilities transferred to the Board of Education, the Center became an adult developmental center (P.L. 94-142). Thereafter, the Center's Board of Directors entered into an agreement with the Board of County Commissioners to make the Center a County agency under the Health Department in December 1979. Formerly under the Health Services Division, the Center became part of the Citizens Services Division in 2015.

For persons with developmental disabilities, the Scott Key Center provides day habilitation, vocational services, supported employment, and family individual support 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 Frederick 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 Frederick County Social Services Board, the County Executive with County Council consent appoints the Director (Code Human Services Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-303).


[photo, Dept. of Social Services, 100 East All Saints St., Frederick, Maryland] The Department of Social Services formerly was in the Governor William Donald Schaefer Government Service Center at 100 East All Saints Street in Frederick. On July 31, 2017, the Department opened its new offices two miles away at 1888 North Market Street, Frederick.


Department of Social Services, former site at Governor William Donald Schaefer Government Service Center, 100 East All Saints St., Frederick, Maryland, July 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.


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