WCDSS Foster Love

05/15/2024

What is a resource parent (foster parent)?

Resource parents are individuals who provide safe and nurturing environments for children and teens. Resource parents are licensed by the Department of Social Services to provide temporary care to who have been separated from their families due to abuse or neglect. By working together with birth and a team of professionals, resource parents provide the essential love, guidance, and support children need to thrive.

Their selflessness and compassion make all the difference in a child's crucial development years as they transition into adulthood.

Learn more: bit.ly/44oRYXl.

03/05/2024

Have you ever thought about helping a child or youth in our community? If so, our Spring foster parent training is coming up soon. Register and hear about all the ways you can help! Training dates are as follows: March 20th and March 27th from 9 to 4 (in person) and April 3rd from 4 to 6 (virtual). Email us at [email protected] or call us at 240-420-2229. We would love to talk with you and answer any questions.

12/14/2023

Have you ever considered opening your hearts and home to a child? There are so many ways to help! Curious how to get more information about fostering or helping a youth? Our winter resource parent training session is scheduled to begin on January 17th! If you live in Washington County, want more information or want to register for our training, email us at [email protected]. We would love to to hear from you!

05/12/2023

May is National Foster Appreciation month! Washington County DSS celebrated our families on April 28th at Antietam Recreation. They enjoyed “Century of Songs”with a dinner and show that included photos, popcorn and root beer floats. We appreciate all of our families and their commitment to children and youth. We Thank You!

01/19/2023

Marylanders receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for 12 months or more must submit a Maryland Benefit Review (MBR) form halfway through their certification period. Interviews are not required. Visit mymdthink.maryland.gov to submit your MBR form.

With a myMDTHINK account, you can see the status of your application, access notices that your local Department of Social Services has sent to you, view documents you have submitted, apply for new programs, renew your benefits, report a change, and more! Log in or Create an Account today!

For EBT Cards, call 1-800-997-2222 and manage your EBT account at www.connectebt.com.

11/29/2022

Congratulations!!!

Congrats to Kelley and Eric Marcus, our Washington County Department of Social Services Adoptive Parents of the Year!

A licensed foster parent's journey can be filled with twists and turns. In November 2019, Mrs. and Mr. Marcus opened their hearts and home to a 10-year-old girl. From the beginning, she and the family spent their days learning about one another and building their trust. As the relationship strengthened, the twists and turns began. The Marcus family remained committed and fully engaged in any supports or services to provide stability.

The Marcus family were strong advocates for the child, included her in all family activities, and treated her as their own. They encouraged the child to build and maintain relationships with her birth family and supported virtual and in-person visits. Through three years, the Marcus family remained committed to her and gave her time and space to decide if she was in her forever home. The family stayed patient, and in July of 2022, at the age of 13, she chose to be adopted by them. WCDSS Foster Love

11/10/2022

Congrats 🥳 to Rebecca and Oscar Mazariegos, our Frederick County Department of Social Services Adoptive Parents of the Year!

Rebecca and Oscar Mazariegos have been licensed resource parents since February 2020. They had a child join their family for a short period, and then a 17-year-old female joined their family in December 2021. The Mazariegos and the young person bonded quickly, and the youth asked the Mazariegos to adopt her, which they did in March 2022.

The teen has a 15-year-old sister who lives in a different foster care setting. The Mazariego family has gone above and beyond to support the siblings' relationship. The Mazariego family also fosters a young sibling group of two and is committed to adopting both brothers.

Rebecca and Oscar are a loving, caring, and compassionate couple invested in supporting birth family relationships and understand the importance of being resource parents to teens. We are honored to celebrate them as Frederick County, Maryland DSS Foster Care's Adoptive Family of the Year!

09/21/2022

PRIDE training for prospective resource families will begin on September 28th, 2022.
Are you interested in learning more about how you can become a resource family? Contact [email protected]

09/13/2022

SATURDAY 9/17 3PM at UNIVERSITY PLAZA
Join Washington Goes Purple for their annual Recovery Walk! This year will feature speaker Westley Morris.

Westley has a story of hope, resilience, perseverance, determination, and commitment. Westley captures his audience with his energetic style of speaking and add value to his clients by giving them the tools they need to overcome any obstacle. He transfers emotion to others through his tell all story and has been known to cause even the hardest man to tear up. Check out his info here and get ready to be inspired!

https://www.westleymorris.com/

Check out https://fb.me/e/1zrLTg8nm for more event details!!!

Westley Morris is a motivational speaker & life coach in Lehigh Valley PA who has been inspiring young people in schools, churches, businesses & beyond.

09/11/2022

Washington County Free Library and Washington Goes Purple are hosting this amazing event on September 16th from 12-3:30pm! Lunch Provided. Please register here!!!

Please join us for an interactive look into Harm Reduction history and evidence based practices.

09/11/2022

Today is National Grandparents Day!!!
An estimated 2.7 million grandparents in the United States are taking the lead in raising their grandchildren. More than 6.1 million children under 18 live in their grandparents' households.

Click here for more Information on FACT SHEET English Click here for more Information on FACT SHEET Spanish The Maryland Department of Human Services, in its commitment to vulnerable children and adults recognizes that children belong with families, especially their family of origin whenever possibl...

09/10/2022

Hagerstown Skate Park Opening! Today 1-4pm!!!

https://www.hagerstownmd.org/542/Park-Improvement-Projects