Adult Services

By law, the department is required to respond to all reports of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. APS investigators are responsible for assessing these situations and taking steps to make alternative living arrangements if necessary for the safety of the affected adult. Continuing APS are provided to vulnerable adults. Integral to the service plan is counseling and referrals to community resources as necessary. After hours, during weekends, or on holidays, reports of suspect abuse or neglect may be made through the Sheriff’s Office at 301-932-2222. During working hours reports may be made through the Department at 301-392-6724.

This program provides brief support and counseling services to adults over the age of 18 who are experiencing problems in adjustment or functioning due to a physical, mental, or developmental disability. Social work services are offered and referrals are made to meet both physical and emotional needs. The goals are to help the client and family achieve self-sufficiency and to maintain the adult in the least restrictive environment.

Senior care, as an extension of the SSTA program, provides social services to persons age 65 and over. The Charles County Department of Social Services works collaboratively with the Department of Health, the Department of Community Services, Area Aging and the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene to help the client achieve or maintain self-sufficiency when practical and to prevent institutionalization through multi-disciplinary assessment services. Case management crisis intervention and short term In-Home Services are available. Funds may be available to assist in purchasing essential resources as services for eligible elderly clients.

This is the social work counterpart to the Family Investment TDAP Program. It assists TDAP recipients in applying for permanent or other temporary financial assistance such as Social Security, SSI, and Workman’s Comp.

C.A.R.E./Project Home provides placement services in supervised homes for mentally and physically ill adults who are able to perform their own adult daily living needs. The applicant for the program must meet criteria for placement. The adult must be willing to become involved in a day program, mental health and/or vocational program. The program also provides placement for adults who are without family support but need supervised living arrangements within the community.

The Charles County Department of Social Services actively recruits and trains families to provide this kind of specialized care to these adults in their home. The provider is required to attend trainings throughout the year. A stipend is provided for the care of the resident, and is used for reimbursement of room and board, and purchasing of medical items, clothing and personal items.

C.A.R.E./Project Home provides supervised living arrangements/placement for vulnerable adults with no family support who are unable to live independently due to mental or physical limitations. In addition, the adult must be willing to become involved in a day program, mental health and/or vocational program. However, all applicants must meet criteria for placement.

IHAS provides chore and personal care services and teaches budgeting and nutrition in an effort to prevent institutionalization, abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. This is a supportive service which may be available to both families and adults.

Respite Care offers financial assistance for short-term care to developmentally and functionally-disabled persons in order to provide the family or primary caregiver with periods of rest and renewal. Eligible families may receive a maximum of 164 hours of respite care in a 12 month period. The program is designed to allow families to select their own caregivers.