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| FAMILY
SERVICES PROGRAM
CIRCUIT COURT FOR GARRETT COUNTY |
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| John
R. Toston
Family Support Services Coordinator (301) 334-1934 |
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The following
service agencies are available to families in Garrett County.
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| Dover
Center
Linda Spassill, Director 12978 Garrett Highway Oakland, MD 21550 (301) 334-6255 Provides temporary living quarters to battered spouses/partners and children, support and counseling for victims of violence, sexual abuse and also neglect. Those seeking help can apply directly to the Center. Most referrals are from law enforcement and the Department of Social Services. Temporary living quarters can help families by lessening likelihood of repeated domestic violence; counseling and referrals can also. Garrett
County State's Attorney's Office
Victim/Witness program can support victims or witnesses who are hesitant to appear and testify in open court. A pending criminal case is not a pre-requisite, but most participants are in this category. The Coordinator explains court terms (language) and procedures to clients, implements the Victims’ Rights statute and also provides information as to the Criminal Injuries Community Fund. Mt. Top
Mental Health Association
This core service agency for Garrett County seeks to better integrate existing services and also expand the same. The agency works to help persons on medications, transport them to services, housing (emergency) and employment. It serves all ages with mental health issues. Referrals are through Garrett County Health Department (301) 334-8111. Through this core service agency for mental health, the court can arrange an integrated package of mental health services needed by families in criminal, domestic and juvenile cases. Garrett
County Health Department
Seeks to helpresidents receive services otherwise not available-includes all programs set out in No. 3 above (Mt. Top Mental Health Association). Literacy
Works
This literacy program sponsored by Garrett Community College aims to improve communications and job skills. Most participants have dropped out of school and are seeking G.E.D.’s. Direct application can be made. Court involvement is not necessary. Successful completion of the program could improve employment/earnings and help in family economics/child support payments. Garrett
County Community Action
Program has many phases of family support including low income housing programs, first time home buyer program, parenting education, Head Start, Area Agency on Aging and sponsor local Habitat for Humanity Programs. Prior referral not always required. Goals are obvious from name of projects. Some programs are on as needed basis and localities of services might vary according to needs within Garrett County areas. Big
Brothers/Big Sisters
Internationally recognized program for 5 to 16 year olds who need nurturing for various reasons. A weekly contact between an individual ‘buddy" and the child provides an opportunity for the child to dialogue with an adult as a parent/friend. Children involved in Juvenile Court cases for delinquency are not part of the program. Sponsors are involved only after successful completion of the training program. The program goal is to keep youngsters involved in school and its activities, to help them to feel appreciated as a vital part of their family, school and community and to prevent delinquency and improve skills in school and home. Children
of Separation and Divorce Center
Private non-profit organization based in Howard County, Maryland but with a program that can guide other localities. Control of stress and aggression incidental to divorce and separation by way of education, counseling and mediation involving the entire family is the prime objective. This is accomplished in large part by well-illustrated pamphlets and books for both parents and children. Use of this literature at court sites could not only occupy children at court, but educate them in court language on their own level. Direct application can be made by parents, but distribution of publications on a hand-out basis in the Courthouse would probably be more effective in creating interest in their program’s goal. Garrett
County Department of Social Services
The Department of Social Services is the beginning point of family support provided by the government. Many court cases arise from such contacts that can be made directly in event of family discord, violence, abuse and dysfunction. It can often accomplish early stages of investigation of possible criminal acts with less stress upon those affected than if police visited the home. When possible, the Department seeks to prevent undesirable matters from becoming criminal in nature. The court places children and also adults in custody of the Department of Social Services. Additionally, the Family Support Program’s interaction with the Department prevent some matters from reaching court. Garrett
County Department of Juvenile Justice
The Department of Juvenile Justice is a state agency responsible for interviewing procedures in matters involving behavior of minors that would be criminal but for minority. Failure of minors to conform to society’s rules that are not criminal if breached (C.I.N.S.) Are also handled by the Department of Social Services. Its goal is to support families by both preventing children from behaving in a way leading to delinquency or C.I.N.S. charges and rehabilitation in the event of a court order. Often families involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice need support also from mental health related programs. House
of Hope
The House of Hope is a private, non-profit,
local program that provides food to persons not able to provide for themselves.
Direct application can be made but a referral from a recognized agency
can speed the process. When family conditions create a short-term immediate
need for non-perishable food, this agency located close to the Courthouse
is of great help, particularly if new living quarters are incident to a
court order.
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