Community Resources & Services

The Office of ADA Coordination provides technical assistance to the public and County Government to ensure that disability-related policies, procedures and practices are implemented in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws. The Office also provides informal guidance to the public in disability rights matters involving non-public entities.

The Office on Aging and Independence promotes the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, addresses the needs of an increasingly diverse cultural community, and supports the desires of our citizens to remain independent as they grow older.

The Office of Children and Families supports the early childhood system so that children can reach their full potential, offering support for families; training and mentoring early childhood professionals; consulting on early childhood issues; maximizing resources and implementing evidence-based programming.

The Office of Community Partnerships promotes collaboration among Howard County’s human service providers to support individuals seeking to attain self-sufficiency. The Office also administers the County’s Community Services Partnership Grant program; coordinates the County’s response to homelessness; manages the MultiService Center; and supports initiatives of the Howard County Board to Promote Self- Sufficiency.

The Office of Consumer Protection protects Howard County consumers by mediating disputes and landlord-tenant issues; taking enforcement action; providing tips to avoid identity theft and scams; and supporting smart purchasing decisions.

The Office of Disability Services promotes the self-sufficiency and well-being of individuals with disabilities through information, referral, advocacy and education. The Office serves as a critical link to a network of community services focused on ensuring that those living with disabilities who reside and/or work in Howard County have the supports they need to be successful.

The Office of Human Trafficking Prevention helps prevent human trafficking in Howard County, Maryland, and beyond. Its mandate to prevent both sex and labor trafficking is fulfilled in part through the work of the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council (HTPCC).

The Office of the Local Children's Board is comprised of public and private members working collaboratively to ensure a strong continuum of services for families and children in our community. The Office works in partnership with the Governor's Office for Children to ensure children grow up healthy, secure and successful.

The Office of Veterans and Military Families recognizes the growing needs of veterans who call Howard County home. The Office provides guidance, information and access to Howard County veterans, military families, their dependents and survivors; promotes activities for veterans of all ages; and collaborates with other service providers to address more complex issues and navigate available resources. 

The Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency (BPSS) is a planning and coordinating body for initiatives that promote the economic stability of individuals and families and reduce the incidence of poverty in Howard County.  

The Commission on Aging promotes successful aging for older adults in Howard County and envisions a county in which older adults age 50 and older can live safely, comfortably, securely, independently and productively. The Commission researches legislation at the county and state level that impacts the health and wellbeing of older adults and their families; and provides testimony when appropriate.

The Commission on Disabilities increases public awareness of disability-related issues; serves in an advisory capacity on County  ADA programs and policies; and works with County Government to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities  advises county government to establish an effective, efficient, and comprehensive delivery of services that will meet the needs of Howard County students with disabilities as they transition from high school to postsecondary education, employment, and adult life. 

The Commission for Veterans and Military Families helps ensure that the issues of Howard County veterans and military families are addressed "effectively and efficiently." The Commission advises the County Executive and the County Council of the needs of veterans and military families and maintains a list of available resources.

The Commission for Women promotes the economic, social and political equality of women. The Commission has the authority to conduct studies, review progress, recommend action, and carry out activities to support this purpose.

The Consumer Protection Advisory Board works with the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) to educate and protect Howard County consumers. Board members provide feedback and recommendations on programs, alert OCP to problems and concerns they witness in their communities; and educate county residents on the services that OCP provides.

Also known as the Coalition to End Homelessness, the vision of the COC Board envisions a community where no one experiences homelessness. The Coalition believes this vision can be realized through a dynamic, comprehensive system of housing services focused on ending homelessness, so every member of the community has a safe and stable home.

Established in 2019 by County Council Bill 52-2019 and comprised of 23 members, the HTPCC advises County Government on human trafficking prevention measures. The Council also conducts outreach and educational efforts to spread awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking.

The Local Children's Board comprises public and private members working collaboratively to ensure a strong continuum of services for families and children in our community. Also known as the Local Management Board, the Board works in partnership with the Governor's Office for Children to ensure children grow up healthy, secure and successful.