# Foster Care Help Resources - Maryland ## National Resources - **National Foster Care & Adoption Directory (Child Welfare Information Gateway):** - **Phone:** 1-800-394-3366 - **Website:** [https://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad](https://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad) - **Services Provided:** Comprehensive directory of foster care and adoption resources nationwide. - **AdoptUSKids:** - **Phone:** 1-888-200-4005 - **Website:** [https://www.adoptuskids.org](https://www.adoptuskids.org/) - **Description:** Support for foster and adoptive families, including tools for navigating the system. - **National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP):** - **Phone:** 1-877-NYAP-CAN (692-7226) - **Website:** [https://www.nyap.org](https://www.nyap.org/) - **Services Provided:** Services for youth in foster care, including placement and family support. ## Statewide Foster Care Services - **Maryland Department of Human Services - Child Welfare Services (Foster Care and Adoption):** - **Phone:** 1-800-332-6347 - **Website:** [https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-welfare-services/](https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-welfare-services/) - **Services Provided:** Licensing for foster parents, resource guides, financial assistance for foster families, and support for children in care. - **Maryland Foster Parent Association (MFPA):** - **Phone:** 410-321-8001 - **Website:** [https://mdfosterparents.org](https://mdfosterparents.org/) - **Services Provided:** Advocacy, support groups, training, and resources for foster parents. ## Regional Foster Care Services ### Baltimore City - **Baltimore City Department of Social Services - Foster Care and Adoption:** - **Phone:** 410-361-2235 - **Website:** [https://dhs.baltimorecity.gov/foster-care](https://dhs.baltimorecity.gov/foster-care) - **Office Location:** 417 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 - **Specialized Services:** Adoption services, family reunification, emergency foster placements, and respite care. ### Montgomery County - **Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services - Foster Care and Adoption Services:** - **Phone:** 240-777-1660 - **Website:** [https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs-programs/foster-care-adoption](https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs-programs/foster-care-adoption) - **Office Location:** 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 - **Specialized Services:** Foster care, adoption, youth services, and mental health support. ## Reporting and Emergency Support - **Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:** - **Phone:** 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) - **Website:** [https://www.childhelp.org](https://www.childhelp.org/) - **When to Call:** To report abuse or neglect of children in foster care. ## Online Resources - **Foster Parent College:** - **Website:** [https://www.fosterparentcollege.com](https://www.fosterparentcollege.com/) - **Features:** Online training courses for foster parents covering topics such as trauma-informed care, behavior management, and adoption. - **The Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA):** - **Website:** [https://www.fostercarealumni.org](https://www.fostercarealumni.org/) - **Features:** Community resources and alumni support for those who have aged out of the foster care system. ## Educational Resources - **Foster Care and Adoption Resources for Maryland Families:** - **Website:** [https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-welfare-services/](https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-welfare-services/) - **Description:** Guides and information on foster care, rights of foster youth, and navigating the Maryland foster care system. - **The National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency:** - **Website:** [https://www.nrcoi.org](https://www.nrcoi.org/) - **Description:** National resources on best practices in foster care, permanency planning, and foster youth education. ## Additional Support - **The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption:** - **Phone:** 1-800-ASK-DTFA (1-800-275-3832) - **Website:** [https://www.davethomasfoundation.org](https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/) - **Services Provided:** Adoption services, including support for older youth in foster care, educational scholarships for adopted children, and resource directories. --- _Updated as of December 2024. For corrections or additional information, please contact the Maryland Department of Human Services._