# 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.
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_Updated as of December 2024. For corrections or additional information, please contact the Maryland Department of Human Services._