FAMILY SUPPORTS
Families often become overwhelmed with the various services and systems available to assist a child with special needs with education and independence. There are several organizations that can provide assistance with seeking services for your child. This section of the Maryland Department of Disabilities will provide you the following information on Family Support services:
Respite Care
Respite care is temporary relief for caregivers and families who are caring for those with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses, or the elderly.
- The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) provides respite care for those individuals who qualify. Click here for more information on Respite Care Services through DDA.
- The Department of Human Resources (DHR) also provides respite care. Click here for more information on Respite Care through DHR.
Additional Resources:
- ARCH National Respite Network: The mission of the ARCH National Respite Network is to assist and promote the development of quality respite and crisis care programs; to help families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities; and to serve as a strong voice for respite in all forums. Click here for more information on the ARCH National Respite Network.
- Caring Communities: The mission of Caring Communities is to offer disability-related training, education, publications, and events for the benefit of children and adults with disabilities, their families and caregivers, as well as healthcare and education professionals. Click here for more information on Caring Communties.
Protection & Advocacy
A Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency in every state is charged with promoting the human and civil rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and providing information and referrals to consumers regarding disability services. The Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC) is a private, non-profit organization staffed by attorneys and paralegals. MDLC is the Protection and Advocacy organization for Maryland. It also publishes a publication titled "Special Education Rights and Wrongs". For more information contact 1-800-233-7201, TTY 410-727-6387 or click here to visit the website of the Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC).
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Medical Care
Points of Entry into Maryland Medicaid and Medical Care Programs for Children with Special Health Care Needs. Information for this fact sheet was gathered from Theresa McIntyre at Baltimore Health Care Access and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website. Click here to visit the Baltimore Health Care Access website and order the fact sheet: Points of Entry (PDF).
Understanding Private Insurance: A Handbook for Families Caring for a Child with Mental Health Needs. Developed by: Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health. Click here to view the Handbook for Families Caring for A Child with Mental Health Needs (PDF).
The Center for Pediatric and Developmental Medicine provides access to quality diagnostic and treatment services for children with learning, behavioral and developmental disorders and utilizes a service system that emphasizes trust, respect, confidentiality, and compassion. For more information click here to view the Center for Pediatric and Developmental Medicine.
Tell me more...
Click on the links on the right-hand side to learn more about this topic.
Still need more information?
Contact a Constituent Services Specialist at the Maryland Department of Disabilities: Family Supports Specialist: Nan Brittingham
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