How do I report suspected child abuse or neglect in Maryland?

Maryland has a 24-hour child abuse hotline operated by the Department of Human Services. Call 1-800-332-6347 to make a report at any time. Reports can also be made to your local Department of Social Services. Maryland law requires certain professionals to report suspected abuse, but any community member may report a concern.

Is there help paying for child care in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Program (formerly Child Care Subsidy) helps eligible low- and moderate-income families pay for licensed child care. It is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education. Apply through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship portal at marylandchildcare.org or call 1-877-726-5888 for assistance.

What should I do if my family is facing eviction or homelessness in Maryland?

Contact 2-1-1 immediately for referrals to local emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention programs, and shelter options in your county. Maryland also participates in the HUD Continuum of Care system, which funds local homeless service providers across the state. Your county's Continuum of Care can help assess your family's needs and connect you with transitional housing or rapid rehousing programs.

Where can a Maryland resident get mental health crisis support?

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7. Maryland also has local crisis centers and mobile crisis teams; calling 2-1-1 can connect you to the nearest mental health crisis resource in your area. For children and teens, the Maryland Crisis Line at 1-800-422-0009 also provides support.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in Maryland

Last updated September 10, 2026

Maryland families facing financial hardship, housing instability, health challenges, or a family crisis have access to a wide range of federally funded and state-administered programs. The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state's primary agency overseeing economic support, child welfare, and family stability programs. Many benefits can be applied for through the state's online portal, MyMDThink, or at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.

If you are not sure where to start, calling or texting 2-1-1 (operated by Maryland 211) is one of the most effective first steps. Trained specialists are available 24/7 to help connect you with local food pantries, rental assistance, child care subsidies, mental health services, and more — all tailored to your county. You can also search online at md211.org.

Eligibility rules, income limits, and program availability can change, so always verify current details directly with the administering agency. The resources below reflect real, active programs available to Maryland residents as of 2024.

Key programs in Maryland

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Maryland

Provides monthly electronic benefits to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries. In Maryland, SNAP is administered by the Department of Human Services through local DSS offices.

How to access: Apply online at mymdthink.maryland.gov, visit your local DSS office, or call the Maryland SNAP line at 1-800-332-6347. You can also get help finding the nearest office through 2-1-1.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Maryland

Federally funded nutrition program for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. Provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals.

How to access: Administered in Maryland by the Department of Health. Find your nearest WIC clinic at health.maryland.gov/phpa/wic or call 1-800-242-4WIC (1-800-242-4942).

Maryland Medicaid / Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

Provides free or low-cost health insurance for eligible low-income children, families, pregnant women, and individuals. MCHP specifically covers children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

How to access: Apply through Maryland Health Connection at marylandhealthconnection.gov or by calling 1-855-642-8572. You may also apply in person at your local DSS office or through mymdthink.maryland.gov.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Maryland

Helps eligible low-income households pay heating and cooling costs, and may assist with utility emergencies. In Maryland, this program is administered through local community action agencies and DSS offices.

How to access: Apply through your local DSS office or community action agency. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to the nearest LIHEAP intake site in your county, or visit mdliheap.com for more information.

National Domestic Violence Hotline / Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence

Provide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.

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Child & Family Assistance Resources in Maryland

Key programs in Maryland

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Maryland

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Maryland

Maryland Medicaid / Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Maryland

National Domestic Violence Hotline / Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence

Child & Family Assistance resources for Maryland

Alliance for Period Supplies

Cribs for Kids At Home

I Support The Girls

Share The Love

She Supply

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Child & Family Assistance in other states