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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

FUNCTIONS


[photo, 311 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, Maryland] Created in 1975, the Department of Human Resources serves families and individuals who, due to financial hardship, disability, age, chronic disease, or any other cause, need help in obtaining the basic necessities of food and shelter. Children in particular are the concern of day care, foster care, adoption, and protective services that also extend to vulnerable adults. The Department directs State programs for homeless persons, refugees, migrant workers, victims of crime, and women who are displaced, battered, or assaulted. At the same time, it also administers federally funded programs such as Family Investment, Food Stamps, and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) (Code Human Services Article, secs. 2-101 through 6-708).

Department of Human Resources, 311 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, Maryland, January 2002. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.


OFFICE OF SECRETARY

311 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 3521

Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of Human Resources directs the Department (Code Human Services Article, secs. 2-202, 2-203). The Secretary chairs the Governor's Interagency Council on Homelessness, and serves on the Governor's Executive Council; and the Children's Cabinet. The Secretary also serves on the Interagency Committee on Aging Services; the State Child Fatality Review Team; the Interagency Disabilities Board; the Maryland State Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council; the Governor's Family Violence Council; the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs; the State Coordinating Committee for Human Services Transportation; the Commission to Study the Impact of Immigrants in Maryland; the Maryland Pandemic Influenza Coordinating Committee; the Mental Health Transformation Working Group; the Task Force on the Preservation of Heritage Language Skills in Maryland; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Maryland Council for New Americans; the Task Force to Study the Procurement of Health and Social Services by State Agencies; the Maryland School-Based Health Care Policy Advisory Council; the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism; the State Board of Victim Services; and the Governor's Workforce Investment Board.

Reporting to the Secretary are five offices: Communications; Constituent Services; Government, Corporate and Community Affairs; Legal Services; and Licensing and Monitoring. Also under the Secretary's direct supervision are the Foster Parent Ombudsman, the Social Services Administration, and the State Citizens Review Board for Children.

Appointed by the Secretary of Human Resources with the approval of the Governor, two deputy secretaries oversee Operations, and Programs (Code Human Services Article, sec. 2-204).

OFFICE OF LEGAL SERVICES

The Office of Legal Services, then known as Judicare, was created in 1971. Formerly under the Community Services Administration, the Office transferred to the Office of Secretary in May 2008. The Office pays court-appointed attorneys to represent indigent adults in Adult Protective Services proceedings, and children in Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) and Termination of Parental Rights cases. The Office contracts with legal firms to provide services, monitors attorney performance, and oversees the interaction between client and attorney. The Office also administers the Court-Appointed Attorney Program. The Program compensates attorneys who are appointed under special circumstances to individual cases.

OFFICE OF LICENSING & MONITORING

In January 2006, the Office of Licensing and Monitoring was established under Operations by the Secretary of Human Resources. In 2008, the Office transferred to the Office of the Secretary.

Approximately 200 privately-run group homes for troubled youths are licensed and monitored by the Office. Additionally, the Office reviews applications for new group homes and coordinates group home oversight with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Juvenile Services. Approximately 100 licensed programs for foster care treatment also are overseen by the Office.

STATE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD FOR CHILDREN

2301 Liberty Heights Ave., Suite 1041, Baltimore, MD 21215

The State Citizens Review Board for Children formed in 1978 as the Maryland Citizen Board for Review of Foster Care for Children (Chapter 980, Acts of 1978). It was renamed in July 1999 (Chapter 355, Acts of 1999). The State Board reviews and coordinates the work of local citizen review boards and promulgates policies and procedures relating to their functions. It also recommends foster care policies and procedures to the General Assembly (Code Family Law Article, secs. 5-535 through 5-547).

Local boards review cases of children in foster care to evaluate what progress has been made towards their permanent placement. Cases are reviewed in accordance with priorities established by the local department of social services and the State Board and contained in a memorandum of agreement. For each child reviewed, a recommendation is sent to the local department of social services and the local juvenile court. With concurrence of the Social Services Administration, the State Board may establish categories of foster children for whom a satisfactory permanent arrangement has been made and who may be exempt from local review.

Quarterly, the State Board tabulates and analyzes all case reviews completed and submits its findings to the Department (Chapters 629 & 630, Acts of 2009).

Local review board members are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms. Each local board has seven members.

The State Board's eleven members represent the jurisdictions encompassed by judicial circuits. In Judicial Circuits nos. 1-7, each local review board elects a member to the State Board. From Baltimore (Judicial Circuit no. 8), local review boards choose three State Board members. The Governor also appoints one member from the executive staff. Members serve two-year terms concurrent with their service on the local review board.

The Administrator is appointed by the State Board with the approval of the Secretary of Human Resources.


SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

311 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 3521

In 1900, the Social Services Administration originated as the Board of State Aid and Charities (Chapter 679, Acts of 1900). In 1939, the Board was replaced by the State Department of Public Welfare (Chapter 99, Acts of 1939). The Department was renamed the State Department of Social Services in 1968 (Chapter 702, Acts of 1968). In 1970, it became the Social Services Administration (Chapter 96, Acts of 1970).

All social services in the State are coordinated and directed by the Social Services Administration (Code Human Services Article, secs. 4-101 through 4-303). These include adoption, foster care, protective services to children and families, and services to families with children. The Administration also determines what factors contribute to social and family problems and recommends ways to address those problems. In addition, the Administration supervises all public and private institutions that have the care, custody, or control of dependent, abandoned or neglected children, except those placed under supervision of another agency. It licenses agencies and institutions having the care and custody of minors.

The State Director of Social Services is appointed by the Secretary of Human Resources with the Governor's approval (Code Human Services Article, sec. 4-203).

In Baltimore City and each county, the director of the local department of social services administers programs subject to the supervision, direction, and control of the Social Services Administration.

Each county department of social services has a nine-member board of social services. Board members are appointed to three-year terms by the local governing authority. One member serves ex officio. In Baltimore City, the board is called the social services commission. The Mayor appoints its members to six-year terms and two serve ex officio (Code Human Services Article, secs. 3-101 through 3-602).

The Social Services Administration is organized into two major components: Operations, and Programs.

OPERATIONS

Operations oversees Management and Special Services, and Research, Evaluation, and System Development.

MANAGEMENT & SPECIAL SERVICES
In 1980, Management and Special Services started as the Office of Administrative Support Services. It was renamed the Office of Executive Management and Support Services in 1991. As the Office of Administrative Services in 1996, it assumed functions of the former Office of Child-Placement. In August 1997, it became the Office of Management Services, and in August 2007 reorganized under its present name.

To support the operation of Department programs, Management and Special Services works through Budget and Central Services; Contracts and Monitoring; and Quality Assurance.

RESEARCH, EVALUATION, & SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Research, Evaluation, and System Development formed in 1993 as the Special Projects Division. It became the Office of Planning and Special Projects Management in 1994, and the Office of Planning and Projects Management in 1996. Later in 1996, it reorganized as the Office of Research, Special Projects, Planning, and Legislation. At that time, functions of the former Office of Program Review and Monitoring were assigned to it. In August 1997, the Office of Research, Special Projects, Planning, and Legislation was renamed the Office of Special Services. In August 2007, the Office restructured under its present name.

Interagency efforts to plan, fund, and implement new human service projects that address the needs of Department clients are coordinated by the Office. Current projects focus on drug addiction; child-abuse treatment and prevention grants; the Family-to-Family Initiative; and Family Support Program grants.

The Office is responsible for two units: Research and Data Integrity; and Systems Development.

PROGRAMS

Programs is responsible for the Office of Adult Services; Child Welfare Organizational Development and Training; Child Welfare Practice and Policy; and Resource Development, Placement, and Support Services.

OFFICE OF ADULT SERVICES
Within the Social Services Administration, the Office of Adult Services formed as the Office of Adult and Family Services. In 1987, it was renamed Office of Adult Services. It transferred to the Community Services Administration in 1990, was renamed Office of Adult and Family Services in 1996, and again became Office of Adult Services in January 1999. In April 2008, the Office transferred back to the Social Services Administration.

Vulnerable or elderly citizens are helped by the Office to strengthen family and community ties so they may live in the community (Code Human Services Article, secs. 6-501 through 6-708).

Under the Office are Community-Based Services, and Home-Based Services.

CHILD WELFARE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING

CHILD WELFARE PRACTICE & POLICY
Child Welfare Practice and Policy began as the Office of Family and Child Development Services in 1980 and reformed as the Office of Children and Family Services in 1991. In August 2007, it further reformed under its present name.

This office sets policy and standards for In-Home Services; and Permanency Services. Child Welfare Practice and Policy also is responsible for Maryland's part in the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, the Maryland Adoption Resource Exchange, and the Mutual-Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, PLACEMENT & SUPPORT SERVICES
In August 2007, Resource Development, Placement and Support Services organized under Programs to develop community and residential resources for children and families in Maryland's child welfare system.

Placement and Support Services, and Resource Development and Retention are overseen by this office.


CHIEF OF STAFF


OPERATIONS

The Deputy Secretary for Operations oversees six offices: Administrative Operations; Budget and Finance; Employment and Program Equity; Human Resource Development and Training; Inspector General; and Technology for Human Services.

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

In 1987, the Office of Administrative Operations was established as the Office of Administrative Services. It transferred under the Chief of Staff and assumed its present name in December 2003. To provide a safe, efficient, and comfortable work environment for Department employees, the Office oversees facility planning, architectural design, space allocation, lease management, workspace planning and installation, building alteration and renovation, and building operations. The Office also operates a warehouse, supply office, mailroom, and graphics media center. Additional responsibilities include risk management, emergency response, and fleet operations.

The Office oversees four units: Central Facility Services; Real Estate Management; Support Services; and Technical Services.

OFFICE OF BUDGET & FINANCE

The Office of Budget and Finance organized in 1989. The Office manages and controls the fiscal systems of the Department. These systems assure that the Department operates within its budget and meets mandates of federal and State government.

OFFICE OF EMPLOYMENT & PROGRAM EQUITY

In 1968, the Office of Employment and Program Equity started as the Office of Equal Opportunity under the Deputy Secretary for Operations. It adopted its present name and moved to the Office of the Secretary in January 1999. The Office works to ensure that Department programs and offices statewide operate in an equitable manner for all Maryland citizens.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING

The Office of Human Resource Development and Training formed as the Office of Personnel in 1970 and adopted its present name in 1996. The Office is responsible for Department personnel programs and assists departments of social services in each county and Baltimore City with recruitment, selection, classification, compensation, employer-employee relations, employee benefits, and staff training.

OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR HUMAN SERVICES

In July 2000, the Office of Technology for Human Services was created. The Office reviews and approves the Department's technology plans, programs, projects, budgets, staff, and purchasing. It is responsible for managing and directing the Department's information systems, including computer applications and systems; and computer and communication equipment.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEM
Information Resource Center, 1100 Eastern Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21221

The Department of Human Resources Information System (DHRIS) formed in 1993 as the Client Information System. It received its current name in September 1999. The System maintains a centralized store of information on persons receiving benefits through the Department.

To maintain information about financial eligibility and to calculate, initiate, and issue benefits, the System uses the Clients' Automated Resource and Eligibility System (CARES). The System also is responsible for the Child-Support Enforcement System (CSES). Through CSES, the System provides child-support enforcement services to families, helps increase collections owed to the State, and supports federal and interstate enforcement efforts.

ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER SYSTEM
The Electronic Benefits Transfer System began as a pilot project in 1989 and was implemented statewide in 1993. Eligible individuals are issued a plastic debit card to access electronically cash and food stamps on a monthly basis. The card replaces paper food-stamp coupons and cash benefit checks. The card also may be used to pay gas and electric bills, public housing rent, and group home expenses.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Organized in 1987, the Office of Information Management directs the management information systems of the Department. The Office administers computer applications, systems, and peripheral equipment, as well as computer and communication equipment, telephone systems and equipment, ancillary facility and support equipment, and consumables and supplies for Department facilities throughout the State. The Office also advises the Secretary of Human Resources on information technology issues.

The Office is responsible for Application Services, Data Security, Program Services, Technical Services, and the Maryland Children's Electronic Social Services Information Exchange (MD Chessie).


PROGRAMS

311 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 3521

Programs administers the Department's major programs. In conjunction with local departments of social services, these programs are overseen by the Deputy Secretary for Programs. Originally, they were carried out by four administrations: Child Care; Community Services; Family Investment; and Social Services. A fifth administration - Child-Support Enforcement - transferred to Programs in 2003. In July 2005, the Child Care Administration was renamed the Office of Child Care and moved to the Division of Early Childhood Development in the State Department of Education (Chapter 585, Acts of 2005). Since March 2007, Programs also has overseen local departments of social services.

In April 2008, the Community Services Administration was disbanded and its functions dispersed to other agencies, and in June 2008, the Social Services Administration moved directly under the Office of Secretary.

OFFICE OF GRANTS MANAGEMENT

In April 2008, the Office of Grants Management was established under the Deputy Secretary for Programs. From the Community Services Administration, it was assigned programs from the former Office of Community Initiatives, the Office of Transitional Services, and the Office of Victim Services.

Displaced Homemakers Program. Started as a model project in 1976, this program became State funded in 1979 (Chapter 339, Acts of 1979). The Program helps homemakers who are displaced due to the death or disability of, or divorce, separation, or abandonment by a family member upon whom they depended for income. Community organizations help them become self-sufficient through counseling, training, and employment assistance (Code Family Law Article, secs. 4-601, 4-602).

Maryland Fatherhood Initiatives. This program helps fathers become involved with raising their children. It works through five programs: Absent Parent; Access and Visitation; Maryland Fatherhood Initiative Grant; Partners for Fragile Families; and Young Father Responsible Fathers.

SHELTER, NUTRITION, & SERVICE PROGRAM
Within the Community Services Administration, the Governor established the Homeless Services Program in 1984 (Chapter 777, Acts of 1984). Since 1998, it has been known as the Shelter, Nutrition, and Service Program. The Program provides shelter, food, and services to homeless people (Code Human Services Article, secs. 6-417 through 6-428). Using federal grants and some State general funds, the Program provides housing counseling and manages aftercare in several jurisdictions. The Program also oversees programs for housing the homeless and preventing eviction.

Crime Victims Assistance Program. The Program provides specialized crisis services to adult and child victims of abuse, domestic violence, rape, or sexual assault. Using federal Program funds, counseling, medical and support services are provided through contracts with community organizations.

Domestic Violence Program. This program aids victims of abuse and their children who must leave home to safeguard their lives and welfare. The Program began as a model shelter in 1971. Through a network of community organizations, the Program offers safe, temporary shelter or help in finding shelter, legal and therapeutic counseling, information, and referral for the victim; and rehabilitation for the abuser (Code Family Law Article, secs. 4-513 through 4-516).

Homeless Women's Shelter Program. The Program began in 1980 with legislation to establish a model crisis shelter for homeless women. For them, the Program provides temporary housing. Clients are counseled on ways to set personal goals and overcome obstacles to employment, such as illiteracy, health problems, or substance abuse.

Rape Crisis Program. Established in 1983, this program gives specialized support to victims of rape and sexual assault. Community organizations provide telephone hotlines, counseling, and medical and legal help. To decrease the incidence of rape and sexual assault, the Program funds presentations to community groups, and distributes information through billboards, pamphlets, and radio and television public service announcements.


CHILD-SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

311 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 3521

Enforcement of court-ordered child support formerly was the duty of the Division of Parole and Probation in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Then, from 1979 to 1984, the Income Maintenance Administration under the Department of Human Resources became the public agency through which support payments were channeled. In 1984, the Child-Support Enforcement Administration formed in the Department of Human Resources to provide child-support services for families (Chapter 296, Acts of 1984; Code Human Resources Article, sec. 2-301). Formerly under Operations, the Administration transferred to Programs in 2003.

Through local departments of social services, courts, State's Attorneys' offices, and other agencies, the Administration locates absent parents; determines paternity; establishes, reviews, modifies, and enforces support orders; and collects and disburses support payments (Code Family Law Article, secs. 10-106 through 10-117). Recipients of Non-Public Assistance Medical Assistance receive services at no charge and are required to cooperate with the Administration in order to secure support. Families not receiving medical or cash benefits from the Department pay a $25 fee when they apply for child support services. Collections made on behalf of such families are paid in full to the family.

The Executive Director is appointed by the Secretary of Human Resources.

The Administration is comprised of Programs, and Support Services. Directly under the office of the Executive Director are the child support enforcement offices for Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George's counties (Code Family Law Article, secs. 10-102 through 10-119.3).

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY OFFICE OF CHILD-SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
On July 1, 2002, State government assumed responsibility for the Anne Arundel County Office of Child-Support Enforcement (Code Family Law Article, sec. 10-117).

BALTIMORE CITY OFFICE OF CHILD-SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
The Baltimore City Office of Support Enforcement began as the Bureau of Support Enforcement under the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Responsibility for the City Bureau was assumed by State government on October 1, 1990, when the Bureau transferred to the Child-Support Enforcement Administration. The Bureau in 1993 was renamed Baltimore City Office of Child-Support Enforcement.

In 1995, under the Chief Support Enforcement Privatization Pilot Program, administration of the Baltimore City Office of Child-Support Enforcement was privatized (Chapter 491, Acts of 1995). Authorization for the Program continued until October 31, 2002 (Code Family Law Article, sec. 10-119.1). Since 2002, State government resumed administration of the Office (Code Family Law Article, sec. 10-117).

BALTIMORE COUNTY OFFICE OF CHILD-SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
On July 1, 1999, State government assumed responsibility for the Baltimore County Office of Child-Support Enforcement (Code Family Law Article, sec. 10-117).

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE OF CHILD-SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
The Montgomery County Office of Child-Support Enforcement started as the Family Service Division under the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Later, responsibility for its operation transferred to the Administrative Office of the Courts. Since October 1996, the Office has been administered by the Child-Support Enforcement Administration (Code Family Law Article, sec. 10-117).

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
The Prince George's County Office of Child Support Enforcement has been administered by the Child-Support Enforcement Administration since July 1, 2002 (Code Family Law Article, sec. 10-117).

SUPPORT SERVICES

Within the Child-Support Enforcement Administration, Support Services was created in 2000 as Operations, and assumed its present name in August 2007. It oversees Central Services, and Direct Services.

OFFICE OF COLLECTION MANAGEMENT
In 1981, the Office of Collection Management originated as the Office of Central Operations, overseeing intercept programs. The Office of Policy and Central Operations assumed that oversight in 1991. By reorganization in 1992, the Office of Intercepts and Adjustments was created and the Office of Program Initiatives formed in 1992 to assume duties formerly administered by the Office of Program Development and Management, and the Office of Policy and Central Operations. In 1996, the Office of Program Initiatives merged with the Office of Intercepts and Adjustments to become the Office of Collections Management. In 1999, it became the Office of Central Collections and Disbursement, and in 2000 returned to Office of Collection Management.

The Office develops child-support enforcement policy, legislation, and regulations; plans program initiatives; interprets policy and conducts training on new policy and procedures; and coordinates its work with the Deputy Secretary for Planning. The Office also intercepts State and federal tax returns, unemployment benefits, and lottery winnings in order to deduct child support. In addition, the Office monitors the collection by local agencies of child-support overpayments.

OFFICE OF SYSTEMS SUPPORT
Local agency compliance with federal and State mandates is monitored by the Office of Systems Support. The office helps local agencies correct problems and implement policies and procedures. It also oversees the Central Registry and the State Parent Locator Service. Cases received from other states are processed by the Office and referred to a local child-support enforcement agency and an intercept program.

Systems Support started as the Field Operations Office in 1981. This office monitored local child-support enforcement agencies. Renamed Office of Program Management, it assumed responsibility for local agency compliance reviews, technical assistance to local agencies, and special projects in 1990. The Office reorganized in 1991 as the Office of Program Development and Management to propose new programs and conduct staff training. Further change in 1992 created the Office of Service Delivery. In 1996, the Office of Service Delivery merged with the Office of Interstate Operations to form the Office of Local Services.

The Office of Interstate Operations began in 1981 as the Office of Central Operations. Reorganized in 1991 as the Office of Policy and Central Operations, in 1993 it became the Office of Interstate Operations. In 1996, it merged with the Office of Service Delivery to form the Office of Local Services which became the Office of Systems Support in 2000.

Under the Office of Systems Support are four units: Computer Information Services; Document Generation; Functional Analysis; and Interstate Services.

PROGRAMS

Within the Child-Support Enforcement Administration, Programs organized in 2000. It is responsible for two offices: Planning and Local Services; and Special Projects and Training.


FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION

311 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 3521

Functions of the Family Investment Administration began within the Social Services Administration. In 1980, those duties were assigned to the Income Maintenance Administration first by Executive Order and then by law (Chapter 26, Acts of 1980). In 1996, the Administration reformed under its present name (Chapter 351, Acts of 1996).

All public assistance programs in the State are coordinated and supervised by the Family Investment Administration (Code Human Services Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-608). These programs include Family Investment, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps). Under an agreement with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Administration certifies eligible low-income families for the Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid). In accord with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Administration also directs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps).

The Administration sets policy for local departments of social services to follow in determining eligibility for financial assistance, Medical Assistance, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In Baltimore City and in each county, the local director of social services administers public assistance programs subject to the supervision, direction, and control of the Family Investment Administration.

With the Governor's approval, the Executive Director of Family Investment is appointed by the Secretary of Human Resources (Code Human Services Article, sec. 5-203).

Two offices are part of the Administration: Operations; and Programs.

OFFICE OF OPERATIONS

The Office of Operations started as the Office of Administrative Services. It was renamed the Office of Administratives Services and Quality Control in September 1998, and the Office of Administrative Services and Continuous Improvement in October 1998. In July 2004, it reorganized under its present name.

Under the Office are five bureaus: Administrative Services; Continuous Improvement; Contract Monitoring; Medical Assistance Operations; and Work Programs.

BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
For the Family Investment Administration, the Bureau of Administrative Services oversees four units: Contracts; Medical Assistance Operations; Office Automation; and Procurement and Budget.

BUREAU OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
The Bureau of Continuous Improvement originated as the Office of Field Operations and reorganized as the Office of Quality Assurance in 1992. It adopted its current name in 1998. The Bureau monitors local departments of social services to ensure compliance with State and federal regulations for programs of the Family Investment Administration. The Bureau also serves as a liaison between the local departments and State agencies.

Overseen by the Bureau are the corrective actions for Family Investment programs.

BUREAU OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OPERATIONS
Begun in 1987 as Disability Management Operations, the Bureau of Medical Assistance Operations helps disabled recipients apply for federal Medicaid, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Applications are made through the Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program.

Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program. The Program assists with documentation and acts as advocate for persons with disabilities at entitlement and appeal hearings.

MARYLAND OFFICE FOR REFUGEES & ASYLEES

In 1980, the Department established the Maryland Office for New Americans as the Maryland Office of Refugee Affairs. In 1994, the Office reorganized as the Maryland Office for New Americans (Executive Order 01.01.1994.26). In April 2008, the Office transferred from the Community Services Administration to the Family Investment Administration. In December 2008, the Office was restructured under its current name to administer federally-funded refugee programs. The Office helps refugees residing in Maryland to become economically and socially self-sufficient. It provides employment services, English language and vocational training, cultural orientation, and other services.

Citizenship Promotion Program. The Office also administers this program formed in 1995 (Chapters 162, 163, Acts of 1995). The Program encourages and assists eligible Maryland residents to become naturalized citizens of the United States and participate in civic life (Code Human Services Article, secs. 6-702 through 6-708).

BUREAU OF WORK PROGRAMS
Through the Work Opportunities Management Information System (WOMIS), the Bureau of Work Programs analyzes the employment and work training functions of the Family Investment Administration. This analysis meets federal reporting requirements for the State's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training programs. The System captures customer demographics and work history, as well as records activities within work programs, such as referrals, attendance, and outcomes. Reports and data generated by the System are used by the Bureau to determine compliance of the Administration and local offices with federal and State work regulations governing welfare reform.

OFFICE OF PROGRAMS

The Office of Programs formed as the Office of Policy Development in 1992 and became the Office of Policy Administration in 1993 and the Office of Policy, Research, and Systems in 1998. In July 2004, it reorganized under its present name.

Under the Office of Programs are the Office of Home Energy Programs, and four bureaus: Policy and Training; Quality Control; Research and Evaluation; and Systems Development and Management.

OFFICE OF HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS
In July 2000, the Office of Home Energy Programs was created within the Community Services Administration. In April 2008, the Office transferred to the Family Investment Administration (Chapter 116, Acts of 2008).

The Office oversees the Electric Universal Service Program and the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (Code Human Services Article, secs. 6-301 through 6-308). The Office also is charged with developing and implementing an emergency energy crisis intervention program to prevent those with low incomes from experiencing danger to health or survival as a result of an energy emergency.

Electric Universal Service Program. This program began in July 2000. Low-income households are aided by the Program to pay current and overdue electric bills. To reduce future electric bills, the Program also helps with energy efficiency measures.

Maryland Energy Assistance Program. In 1977, the Program began as a pilot program. Reformed as the Energy Crisis Intervention Program in 1978, it adopted its present name in 1980. In July 2000, it was placed under the Office of Home Energy Programs.

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program provides fuel oil, electricity, gas (natural and propane), wood, and coal to eligible low-income people across the State (Code Human Services Article, secs. 6-301 through 6-308). Eligibility for assistance is based on household size, income, fuel type, and geographic location. Those with the greatest need receive the highest level of assistance. Benefits reflect a fixed portion of average fuel consumption based on fuel type. They range from 32 to 85 percent of average consumption. Heating assistance is offered to eligible tenants and homeowners. Maryland is the first state to offer this aid to shelters for battered spouses and the homeless. The Program subcontracts with twenty local agencies (departments of social services, governments, community action agencies) and 450 energy suppliers to provide this assistance.

Emergency Energy Assistance also is offered by the Program to householders certified eligible for regular energy assistance benefits. Provided on a one-time-only basis, this assistance is for fuel deliveries, utility cut-offs, emergency repairs, blankets, emergency space heaters, or emergency shelter. It may not exceed $180. Benefits provided are paid directly to energy vendors selected by the eligible household. Under contract with the State, vendors deliver fuel to a household until the family's benefit amount is exhausted.

BUREAU OF POLICY & TRAINING
The Bureau of Policy and Training reviews federal and State legislation to determine its effect on programs operated or supported by the Family Investment Administration. The Bureau assesses the impact of such legislation on the Administration's budget; develops the Department's position on legislation; and testifies before legislative and Congressional committees. Also, the Bureau drafts regulations necessary to implement legislation; writes policy manuals and instructional materials for local departments of social services; and trains case managers and supervisors to implement new policies.

BUREAU OF QUALITY CONTROL
Quality control reviews are conducted by the Bureau of Quality Control. Mandated by State and federal law, reviewers monitor the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program, the Food Stamp Program, and the Medical Assistance Program.

BUREAU OF RESEARCH & EVALUATION
In July 2004, the Bureau of Research and Legislation reformed as the Bureau of Research and Evaluation. The Bureau supervises research projects for the Family Investment Administration, both in-house and contractual. This includes managing contracts with State universities where studies on welfare reform affect initiatives in the field. The Bureau monitors federal and State legislation, and acts as liaison to the General Assembly and the Joint Committee on Welfare Reform. To evaluate and summarize welfare reform in Maryland, the Bureau collects data and issues monthly reports.

BUREAU OF SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
The Bureau of Systems Development and Management is responsible for the design, testing, implementation, maintenance, and control of those components of the Client's Automated Resource and Eligibility System (CARES) used by the Family Investment Administration. Systems support is provided by the Bureau to all System users, including local departments of social services.

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