Parenting Resources

To learn more about these programs, call 410-853-3000 and select option one.

FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

The Services to Families (SFC) program offers counseling and in-home services as well as connection to resources in order to strengthen and maintain families and prevent them from breaking apart. SFC works primarily with:

  • Low-income families whose problems threaten to dissolve the family unit or lead to chronic dysfunction between its members
    (Note: Families whose total family income is at or below 80 percent of the state median income (adjusted for family size) are considered low-income)
  • Families who receive temporary cash assistance (TCA)

FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING ADOLESCENTS UNDER AGE 21

This voluntary service—provided by professionally trained and licensed social workers—seeks to help pregnant and parenting adolescents under the age of 21 enhance their parenting skills, improve communication with family members, learn about pregnancy prevention and secure stability in their living arrangements.

A combination of group and individual activities are used to help participants acquire the life skills needed to become self-sufficient and responsible parents. Some of the issues discussed include:

  • Communication problems between teens and their parents
  • Problems with boyfriends and girlfriends
  • Making good choices about sex
  • Birth control and pregnancy options
  • Obtaining medical care for mother and child
  • Information about financial assistance, work programs and day care
  • Managing money and working
  • Coping with stress
  • Parenting techniques
  • Problem solving
  • Housing issues

FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN

Center for Family Success
201 Back River Neck Road
Essex, Maryland 21221
Phone: 410-887-4700
Fax: 410-686-5479

The Center for Family Success is a comprehensive family support and development center that strives to strengthen families, promote the healthy development of children and guide families toward self-sufficiency and economic independence. It is a two-generation program that encourages a strong parent-child bond, providing services to:

  • Expectant mothers
  • Parents of children between the ages of two months and four years
    (Note: Parents must have at least 50 percent custody of child)

The following free services are offered:

  • Adult Basic Education (ABE)—To help parents prepare for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) tests. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday mornings. All participants are expected to attend from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., two days per week. 
  • Childcare—Provided by trained childcare staff, is designed to help children
    • Engage in age-appropriate activities
    • Develop socialization skills
    • Improve their literacy and speaking skills in order to be ready for pre-kindergarten
  • Daytime Transportation To/From the Center—For residents in the southeast area of Baltimore County (within certain limits).
  • ESL Classes—English as a second language classes with childcare.
  • Health Education Classes
  • In-Home Interventionist—Provides home visits to parents and pregnant women with children up to the age of four who cannot come to the Center. The program provides services to
    • Enhance the parent and child relationship
    • Engage children in developmentally appropriate activities
    • Provide health care education
  • Life Skills
  • Nurturing Parenting Program—A six-week program offered twice a week which teaches parents effective parenting strategies to best nurture their child (meets court-ordered requirements for parents with children up to the age of 4.) Four sessions offered per year.
  • Recreational outings—Field trips and leadership development skills, generally scheduled on Fridays.
  • Service Coordination and Referrals—Helps parents respond to personal and family challenges and set appropriate goals for Center participation.