| In 1998, the Maryland Judiciary,
with generous fiscal support from the Maryland General Assembly, established
family divisions in each of its five largest jurisdictions. The family
divisions have jurisdiction over all civil, i.e., non-criminal matters
related to the family. Counties such as Talbot without separate divisions
were provided with a family support and law case coordinator and a budget
for services to families involved in the judicial system. Each jurisdiction
has followed the mandate of Maryland Rule 16-204 to establish a spectrum
of services and to reorient its case management processes to ensure the
comprehensive and holistic treatment of families.
The court adversarial process can
be destructive for families. Family cases therefore require a
different approach. That approach
mandates that family cases be expedited to minimize the trauma of litigation
and to ensure safety and support for all family members. Families are given
every opportunity to make ultimate decisions themselves - through educational
programs and alternative dispute resolution techniques.
Below are listed some of the family
service programs provided by the circuit court:
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PRO SE ASSISTANCE PROJECT -
The Allegany Law Foundation operates the Pro Se Clinic for Allegany
County. Local, private attorneys rotate staffing and assist clients
with filling out domestic relations court forms. Walk-in services
are available every Thursday from 9:30 to Noon and 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Circuit
Court at 30 Washington Street, Cumberland, and usually on the 3rd
Monday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Frostburg Public Library, 65 E. Main,
Frostburg. This legal service is free, and there is no income screening.
The contact agency is Allegany Law Foundation 301-722-3390.
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CO-PARENTING SEMINAR - Two,
three-hour sessions offering parents an opportunity to increase their
understanding of the impact of divorce on their children and develop
strategies for healthy co-parenting. Offered bi-monthly - Call
(301) 777-2102 for details.
-
DOMESTIC MEDIATION PROGRAM -
A resource for alternative dispute resolution. Non-adversarial
and impartial in nature, it is provided to help families make decisions
that work for them and resolve conflicts arising from parenting issues
and concerns. The court maintains a list of court approved private
mediators specially trained in family conflict. Call (301) 777-2102
for more information.
In addition, the following services
are either available or in development:
- Psycho Educational Programs for children
of separation and divorce
- Mental Health evaluations
- Custody evaluations
- Substance abuse evaluations
- Family counseling
- Court diversion programs for juvenile
offenders
- Guardian Ad Litem
- Community Resource Information
The Circuit Court for Allegany
County recognizes its partnership with community resources serving families
in transition.
For further information or comments,
call Lyn Pecoraro, Family Service Coordinator (301) 777-2102. |
