Human Services Council

Meetings:  Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday, 9:00 a.m., Rm. 14 of the  Potomac Building (former Governmental Center), 23115 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD

Purpose:         

The Human Services Council shall advise and make recommendations to the Board to ensure the coordination of comprehensive and quality services to the citizens of the County.  The Human Services Council shall: 

1. Develop, implement and maintain a county-wide strategic plan that engages the public agencies and local government in systematically assessing and prioritizing human services needs- short and long term; identifying desired outcomes; and establishing strategic goals
   and objectives.

2. Develop consistent evaluation, reporting and monitoring criteria/measures for all grants to ensure accountability.

3. Provide critical evaluation of existing and new projects/proposals/programming, to endorse those that fit the County’s overall priorities, and to provide ongoing advice and coordination of efforts for public and private funding agencies.

4. Promote and support system evaluation and re-structuring as needed (including that of the Council) in order to enhance effectiveness and reduce the costs of providing human services.

5. Communicate information externally (community) and internally (agencies) through news releases and an annual report card that helps stakeholders (givers and receivers) understand and consider county human services challenges and achievements.

6. Assist the Department of Human Services in identifying, soliciting, and coordinating new and existing sources of funding.

7. Serve as the point of collaboration for large community grants that may serve multiple stakeholders.

8. Serve as liaison between the St. Mary’s County Human Services Council and other county organizations and advisory groups.

9. Inform and advise the Board of County Commissioners regarding the development and      performance of the Department of Human Services and St. Mary’s progress towards achieving the human service goals, and any human service issues impacting the community.

10. To report to the Board of County Commissioners at least annually.

11. To serve as the local advisory body either as the full Council or a Committee of the Council as required by state agencies.