Local Care Teams: A Resource for Families of Children with Intensive Needs

Are you familiar with your Local Care Team (LCT)? It can be a great resource in finding help for your child. LCTs were funded across Maryland by the Governor’s Office for Children with the express purpose of helping families of children with intensive needs. They can help identify potential resources for your family through a coordinated interagency approach.

The Local Care Team is a forum for:
  • families of children with intensive needs to receive assistance with the identification of potential resources to meet those needs
  • interagency discussion and problem-solving
  • discussion of a request for a Voluntary Placement Agreement for children with developmental disabilities or mental illness

Your Local Care Team includes members from the following local agencies:

  • Department of Juvenile Services
  • Developmental Disabilities Administration
  • Core Service Agency/Local Behavioral Health Authority
  • Local School System
  • Health Department
  • Department of Social Services
  • Local Management Board

In addition, a parent advocate serves on the Local Care Team.

Local Care Teams offer a variety of resources to children and families, depending on eligibility and availability, such as:

  • Family Preservation Services
  • Targeted Case Management
  • Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs
  • Respite
  • Scholarships
  • Summer Camps
  • Faith-based Programs
  • Parks and Recreation Programs
  • Parenting Classes
  • DORS services to those over the age of 16
  • Voluntary Placement Agreements

Note: Some counties may have unique local resources not included in this list.

Families can self-refer to the Local Care Team by going to this directory.