There are 25 programs within the services division. The child welfare division focuses on the most hands-on service. Once a referral is received DSS has 60 days to come to a conclusion and a recommendation for further service. C. New laws say that we must submit a request to terminate parents rights for any child who has been in the care of DSS for 15 out of the past 22 months, unless there are strong reasons not to. This came about in the last two years.
Children coming into foster care are very high risk, they have more severe levels of disturbance.
There are no therapeutic foster care homes or therapeutic group homes in Frederick County. Pressley Ridge is interested in coming into the County to open up therapeutic foster homes. Therapeutic foster home setting is one child per family. The service intake unit deals with housing and utilities. Since the dollars are limited, the recipient must have an eviction notice in hand.