Title 9.5. Division of Early Childhood Development — Subtitle 10. Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 9.5-1001 (2026)
Title 9.5. Division of Early Childhood Development
Subtitle 10. Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services
§ 9.5-1001LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Applicant” means a parent who has applied to receive services from a family support center in the network of community–based family support centers.
(c)
“Center” means a family support center operated by a provider under a contract with the Intermediary.
(d)
“Intermediary” means the Department or a designee of the Department that provides management for the operation of the State’s network of community–based family support centers.
(e)
(1)
“Parent” means the biological or adoptive parent of a child.
(2)
“Parent” includes a legal guardian of a child.
(f)
“Provider” means an agency or individual who contracts with the Intermediary to operate a center.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 9.5-1002 (2026)
Title 9.5. Division of Early Childhood Development
Subtitle 10. Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services
§ 9.5-1002LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A family support center shall be known as a “Patty Center”.
(b)
A family support center shall provide parents and their children with a hospitable and constructive environment and services that:
(1)
Improve parenting skills;
(2)
Develop the family as a functioning unit; and
(3)
Promote the growth and development of their children.
(c)
(1)
(i)
For fiscal year 2021, the State shall provide funding for six additional centers.
(ii)
For each of fiscal years 2022 through 2029, the State shall provide funding for three additional centers per fiscal year.
(2)
The Governor shall appropriate in each of fiscal years 2021 through 2030 $330,000 for each additional center required under this subsection.
(d)
The Department shall select the location for the centers funded under subsection (c) of this section.
(e)
(1)
A family support center may receive multiyear funding.
(2)
If a family support center receives multiyear funding, funding may be used for planning and development in the first year of funding for the family support center.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 9.5-1003 (2026)
Title 9.5. Division of Early Childhood Development
Subtitle 10. Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services
§ 9.5-1003LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A center shall provide services including:
(1)
Parental skills training, parent education classes, and other related activities;
(2)
Health care counseling;
(3)
Diagnostic and assessment services to identify a child’s potential developmental disabilities;
(4)
Child care for parents while parents are participating in center–based services;
(5)
Peer support activities, including recreational and social activities;
(6)
Educational services such as GED and postsecondary credentials; and
(7)
Pre–employment counseling and skill development to assist the parent in securing and maintaining employment.
(b)
A center shall provide services to a child and the child’s parents, grandparents, and other family members to the extent possible.
(c)
A center may provide other services if approved by the Intermediary.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 9.5-1004 (2026)
Title 9.5. Division of Early Childhood Development
Subtitle 10. Patricia H. Kirwan Family Support Services
§ 9.5-1004LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Before operating a center, the provider shall submit to the Intermediary a plan that describes the:
(1)
Services to be provided;
(2)
Manner in which the services are provided; and
(3)
Staff who will provide services at the center and training for other staff.
(b)
The provider, in accordance with the plan:
(1)
Shall employ staff;
(2)
May recruit, train, and supervise volunteers; and
(3)
Shall operate the center during periods of time, including, if necessary, weekends and nights, to accommodate parents’ needs.
(c)
The plan shall describe the methods to be used to refer parents to other entities that provide services not available at the center.