10/16/2026
Children’s Advocacy Center Opens in New Location, Strengthening Coordinated Services for Children and Families
Calvert County Department of Social Services to host ribbon-cutting on Oct. 20
PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — Children and families in Calvert County will have access to a newly redesigned Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) that provides a safe, welcoming and secure environment for children receiving services following allegations of abuse or exposure to violence.
The Calvert County Department of Social Services, in collaboration with local partners across child welfare, law enforcement, health care, and victim services, will celebrate the center’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Oct. 20, 2026 at 184 A Main Street.
The CAC now has a larger, redesigned space with dedicated areas for forensic interviews, private meetings, therapeutic services, multidisciplinary team coordination and other services. The center was designed using National Children’s Alliance (NCA) accreditation standards and with careful attention to security, privacy and the movement of children and families through the facility.
The center provides a child-friendly space where youth can receive services such as therapy, case management, and a safe place to share their experience. CACs allow children to share their experiences in a single forensic interview during an investigation, reducing the trauma associated with repeated questioning.
“The opening of the redesigned Calvert County Child Advocacy Center is a significant milestone in the community’s shared commitment to protecting children,” said Melinda Baldwin, director of the Calvert County Department of Social Services. “The new space gives our multidisciplinary partners the ability to work together more effectively. We are grateful to Calvert County for this partnership and investment in this important work.”
“The Children’s Advocacy Center in Calvert County strengthens Maryland’s response to child abuse and neglect and ensures children are safe, supported, and heard throughout the investigative process,” said Stacy L. Rodgers, acting secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services. “We are grateful to our partners in Calvert County for working alongside the Department of Social Services to reduce trauma, promote healing, and provide critical services to children and families.”
The ribbon-cutting will include remarks from Calvert County State’s Attorney Bob Harvey, County Administrator Linda Turner, Calvert County Sheriff Ricky Cox, and Calvert County Commissioners, highlighting the community partnership behind the new center.
Media are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour the new center.
What: Calvert County Child Advocacy Center Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.
Where: 184-A Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
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About the Calvert County Department of Social Services
The Calvert County Department of Social Services, a local arm of the Maryland Department of Human Services, promotes family stability, protects vulnerable children and adults, and advances self-sufficiency across Calvert County through collaborative, community-based supportive services.
About the Maryland Department of Human Services
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social services provider, serving more than one million Marylanders annually. Through its programs — including food assistance, cash support, child welfare, and energy assistance — DHS works to strengthen Maryland’s families and communities. Marylanders can check their eligibility and apply for benefits at MarylandBenefits.gov.
