DCRS: A No Wrong Door Approach

The Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) provides vital human services through its nine offices and 10 boards and commissions. 

Our values are clear. Our offices serve multiple generations in a multi-cultural community and promote full inclusion and community engagement for persons with disabilities. 

No Wrong Door approach makes it easier for Howard County residents to access the vital human services they need.

DCRS We are all in this Together graphic

Listen to HoCo Community Chat!

Hosted by Jackie Scott, director, DCRS, the HoCo Community Chat podcast provides an entertaining way for DCRS to communicate and engage in great conversations on how to live your best life in Howard County.

HoCo Community Chat graphic for DCRS' new podcast

Our Offices

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ADA Coordination

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The Office of ADA Coordination provides technical assistance to the public and County Government to ensure that disability-related policies, procedures and practices are implemented in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws. The Office also provides informal guidance to the public in disability rights matters involving non-public entities.

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Aging and Independence

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The Office on Aging and Independence promotes the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, addresses the needs of an increasingly diverse cultural community, and supports the desires of our residents to remain independent as they grow older.

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Children and Families

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The Office of Children and Families supports the early childhood system so that children can reach their full potential, offering support for families; training and mentoring early childhood professionals; consulting on early childhood issues; maximizing resources and implementing evidence-based programming.

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Community Partnerships

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The Office of Community Partnerships promotes collaboration among Howard County’s human service providers to support individuals seeking to attain self-sufficiency. The Office also administers the County’s Community Services Partnership Grant program; coordinates the County’s response to homelessness; and supports initiatives of the Howard County Board to Promote Self- Sufficiency.

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Consumer Protection

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The Office of Consumer Protection protects Howard County consumers by mediating disputes and landlord-tenant issues; taking enforcement action; providing tips to avoid identity theft and scams; and supporting smart purchasing decisions.

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Disability Services

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The Office of Disability Services promotes the self-sufficiency and well-being of individuals with disabilities through information, referral, advocacy and education. The Office serves as a critical link to a network of community services focused on ensuring that those living with disabilities who reside and/or work in Howard County have the supports they need to be successful.

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Human Trafficking Prevention

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The Office of Human Trafficking Prevention helps prevent human trafficking in Howard County, Maryland, and beyond. Its mandate - to prevent both sex and labor trafficking - is fulfilled in part through the work of the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council (HTPCC).

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Local Children's Board

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The Office of the Local Children's Board is comprised of public and private members working collaboratively to ensure a strong continuum of services for families and children in our community. The Office works in partnership with the Governor's Office for Children to ensure children grow up healthy, secure and successful.  The Office also manages the MultiService Center, which offers ready access to human services and supports for becoming self-sufficient.

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Veterans and Military Families

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The Office of Veterans and Military Families recognizes the growing needs of veterans who call Howard County home. The Office provides guidance, information and access to Howard County veterans, military families, their dependents and survivors; promotes activities for veterans of all ages; and collaborates with other service providers to address more complex issues and navigate available resources. 

 

DCRS Information/Event Request Form

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Community Resources and Services participating in and/or speaking at your event. To make a request, please complete and submit the following form at least two weeks prior to the event, and allow five business days for decisions to be made.

Our Boards & Commissions

Title

Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency

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The Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency (BPSS) is a planning and coordinating body for initiatives that promote the economic stability of individuals and families and reduce the incidence of poverty in Howard County.  

Title

Commission on Aging

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The Commission on Aging promotes successful aging for older adults in Howard County and envisions a county in which older adults age 50 and older can live safely, comfortably, securely, independently and productively. The Commission researches legislation at the county and state level that impacts the health and wellbeing of older adults and their families; and provides testimony when appropriate.

Title

Commission on Disabilities

Content

The Commission on Disabilities increases public awareness of disability-related issues; serves in an advisory capacity on County  ADA programs and policies; and works with County Government to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Title

Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities

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The Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities  advises county government to establish an effective, efficient, and comprehensive delivery of services that will meet the needs of Howard County students with disabilities as they transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment, and adult life. 

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Commission for Veterans and Military Families

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The Commission for Veterans and Military Families helps ensure that the issues of Howard County veterans and military families are addressed "effectively and efficiently." The Commission advises the County Executive and the County Council of the needs of veterans and military families and maintains a list of available resources.

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Commission for Women

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The Commission for Women promotes the economic, social and political equality of women. The Commission has the authority to conduct studies, review progress, recommend action, and carry out activities to support this purpose.

Title

Consumer Protection Advisory Board

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The Consumer Protection Advisory Board works with the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) to educate and protect Howard County consumers. Board members provide feedback and recommendations on programs, alert OCP to problems and concerns they witness in their communities; and educate county residents on the services that OCP provides.

Title

Continuum of Care (COC) Board

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Also known as the Coalition to End Homelessness, the vision of the COC Board envisions a community where no one experiences homelessness. The Coalition believes this vision can be realized through a dynamic, comprehensive system of housing services focused on ending homelessness, so every member of the community has a safe and stable home.

Title

Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council (HTPCC)

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Established in 2019 by County Council Bill 52-2019 and comprised of 23 members, the HTPCC advises County Government on human trafficking prevention measures. The Council also conducts outreach and educational efforts to spread awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking.

Title

Local Children's Board

Content

The Local Children's Board comprises public and private members working collaboratively to ensure a strong continuum of services for families and children in our community. Also known as the Local Management Board, the Board works in partnership with the Governor's Office for Children to ensure children grow up healthy, secure and successful.

Know before you go!

DCRS' inclement weather hotline (410-313-7777) keeps you informed about the opening/closing status of our facilities during a weather event or other emergency. 

Know before you go to any of our facilities for meetings, classes or other programs. 

DCRS Emergency Status Hotline

News

Find the latest news updates.

News
 

Newsletter Sign-Up

Get email updates on health and wellness programs, community events, and support services for all ages from the Department of Community Resources & Services.

Team

Headshot of Jacqueline Scott
Jacqueline R. Scott
Director of Community Resources & Services
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Cheryl Mattis
Deputy Director
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Stephanie Adibe
Deputy Director

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