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Maryland Chosen to Share Best Practices Model for Improving Well-Being of Children and Families
Governorâs Office for Children Hosts Meeting for National Governors Association Conference
ANNAPOLIS, MD â The Governorâs Office for Children, on behalf of the Maryland Childrenâs Cabinet, was chosen to share their best practices model for improving well-being of children and families with participants of the National Governors Association during a Learning Lab called Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration to Address the Health and Success of Children and Families. The learning lab is designed to improve the health, well-being, and outcomes for children and families. Maryland has been twice named as the model state for connecting underserved families with needed resources to improve quality of life, using the Childrenâs Cabinet framework and working in collaboration with Local Management Boards.
âThe Childrenâs Cabinet model is an example of how state agencies can work together to improve life for youth and families in Maryland,â said Governor Larry Hogan, who is also Chairman of the National Governors Association. âAddressing the issues impacting our young people is key to improving life outcomes and future economic opportunity. We are proud to share our successes with other states, as we strive to make meaningful and positive change across our great nation.â
The Governorâs Office for Children presented on how they have succeeded in working with Marylandâs Childrenâs Cabinet and Local Management Boards to align their priorities and collaborative efforts with Governor Hoganâs strategic vision and priorities. Priorities for the Governorâs Office for Children and Marylandâs Childrenâs Cabinet include: reducing the impact of parental incarceration on children, families, and communities; juvenile justice diversion; improving outcomes for disconnected youth; trauma-informed care; reduction of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); and reducing childhood hunger as well as youth homelessness.Â
âWe are pleased to be able to highlight the Childrenâs Cabinet model, as well as the great work of our Local Management Boards,â said Jessica Wheeler, Deputy Director of the Governorâs Office for Children. âOur hope is that we can continue to build upon our model to increase collaboration, data sharing, and multi-disciplinary work that breaks down silos and uses a comprehensive approach to support Marylandâs children and families.â
The Office also presented on how to sustain and strengthen successful partnerships in service to youth and families. The collaboration between the Governorâs Office for Children, Marylandâs Childrenâs Cabinet, and Local Management Boards has resulted in improved support for youth with intensive needs who are at risk of an out-of-home or out-of State residential placement. Highlights include: funding for staff support to the Local Care Teams to ensure that youth with intensive needs receive comprehensive support services; regular collaboration among child-placing agencies; and increased training and technical assistance opportunities for Local Care Teams.
The National Governors Associationâs 14-month project began one year ago with its opening meeting in Maryland. Participating states have learned how to utilize collaboration across state agencies to support their local partners in addressing educational, social, economic and environmental issues affecting the health and success of children and their families. Participating states also shared progress they have made and lessons learned.
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About the Governorâs Office for Children
The Governorâs Office for Children works with State agencies and Local Management Boards to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for Marylandâs children, youth, and families. Learn more by visiting our website at goc.maryland.gov.
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