Maryland Department of Human Services

Call Directions Website

Maryland Department of Human Services The Department of Human Services is Maryland's primary social services provider. When times get tough, we're here to help. Visit our Central office at 25 S.

Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or check in at one of our 24 local departments of social services, located in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.

November is National Adoption Month, a time to recognize the importance of family connections and support for children a...
11/02/2026

November is National Adoption Month, a time to recognize the importance of family connections and support for children and families.

Maryland takes a kin-first approach to child welfare, prioritizing family reunification and placement with relatives and other familiar adults whenever possible.

When reunification isn't possible, a child's kin or resource parents may be considered for adoption or guardianship. Maintaining connections to birth family, culture, and community remains important before and after adoption or guardianship.

Throughout November, we'll share more about adoption in Maryland and the resources available to children and families.

Learn more about our program: https://dhs.maryland.gov/adoption/

Our staff brought plenty of Halloween spirit to the office!We loved seeing colleagues come together to celebrate with cr...
10/31/2026

Our staff brought plenty of Halloween spirit to the office!

We loved seeing colleagues come together to celebrate with creative costumes, sweet treats, and a little festive fun.

From our DHS family to yours, have a fun, safe, and happy Halloween!

10/30/2026

Even the Maryland Department of Human Services likes a good Halloween story!

Our friends at Maryland Department of Natural Resources are taking us into the woods for a little Maryland history, movie trivia, and spooky-season fun.

Who's brave enough to visit?

Stronger communities are built when residents have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.Through...
10/30/2026

Stronger communities are built when residents have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Through the Safer Stronger Together (SST) initiative, an additional $500,000 investment is being made to help sustain and strengthen efforts in Hagerstown, Salisbury, and East Baltimore to reduce crime by connecting young people with services and opportunities.

We are proud to partner with Governor Wes Moore and fellow state agencies through SST to build stronger communities by coordinating family services and empowering community-led solutions.

Learn more: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/moore-miller-administration-announces-new-investment-bolster-safer-stronger-together-community-sa

After 50 years of public service, including six years leading the St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services, Direc...
10/29/2026

After 50 years of public service, including six years leading the St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services, Director Alexis Zoss is retiring on Nov. 1.

Directors of Social Services are DHS' local leaders in Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions, guiding teams that connect individuals and families with essential services and support.

Throughout her career, Alexis has embodied this commitment to public service. From navigating the challenges of the pandemic to expanding resources and supporting her team, Alexis has made a lasting impact through her compassionate leadership.

Please join us in thanking Alexis for her decades of dedicated service and wishing her a happy, well-deserved retirement!

Maryland has shown that ending unlicensed placements for youth in foster care takes more than a ban. It takes investment...
10/29/2026

Maryland has shown that ending unlicensed placements for youth in foster care takes more than a ban. It takes investment, rapid clinical response, and stronger community-based care.

In his op-ed for The Imprint, Social Services Administration Director Alger Studstill shares how Maryland ended its use of unlicensed placements — and what other states can learn from our approach.

Read the op-ed: https://imprintnews.org/opinion/how-maryland-ended-its-use-of-unlicensed-placements-for-foster-youth/277417

Maryland is making meaningful progress in protecting benefits from theft. Following the rollout of chip-and-tap EBT card...
10/28/2026

Maryland is making meaningful progress in protecting benefits from theft. Following the rollout of chip-and-tap EBT cards, customer claims of stolen benefits dropped from 8,817 to 3,062.

These improvements are helping protect vital benefits and taxpayer dollars while ensuring assistance reaches the Marylanders who need it.

Learn more about Maryland’s efforts to strengthen EBT security: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/maryland-reduces-benefit-theft-71-following-rollout-fraud-resistant-chip-and-tap-ebt-cards

⏰ Time is ticking! Remember, your SUN Bucks benefits are valid for 122 days from the date issued. Be sure to use them be...
10/28/2026

⏰ Time is ticking!

Remember, your SUN Bucks benefits are valid for 122 days from the date issued.

Be sure to use them before they expire!

Maryland State Department of Education Maryland Health Connection

Did you know that domestic abuse doesn’t always start with physical violence? It can show up as repeated put-downs, emot...
10/27/2026

Did you know that domestic abuse doesn’t always start with physical violence?

It can show up as repeated put-downs, emotional manipulation, financial control, threatening messages or online stalking. You may not see them, but victims of nonviolent abuse have wounds too.

If you or a loved one needs confidential support, resources are always reachable. You are not alone.

Call 1-800-91PREVENT (1-800-917-7383) for support.

282 jars. 141 families. 13 food pantries.The results are in from the Calvert County Department of Social Services’ Sprea...
10/27/2026

282 jars. 141 families. 13 food pantries.

The results are in from the Calvert County Department of Social Services’ Spread the Love food drive!

To everyone who donated or helped spread the word, thank you for showing up for the community. Your kindness makes a difference.

The need doesn’t stop here. Local food pantries still rely on your support year-round to keep shelves stocked.

Visit 211md.org or dial 211 to find local food pantries and meal programs for yourself or someone who needs a helping hand.

Address

25 S. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD
21201

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18003326347

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Maryland Department of Human Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share