Baltimore organizations provide free childcare and therapy for families

Behavioral health experts in Baltimore recommend that caregivers encourage children to discuss traumatic events early to facilitate recovery, even when families prefer to avoid the topic. Six local organizations provide specific services to address child abuse, homelessness, and grief.

The Family Tree in Charles North prevents child abuse by supporting new parents. Mothers who deliver at Sinai Hospital in Northwest Baltimore receive free home visits from registered nurses. Stacey Brown, the organization's executive director, stated that the service aims to prevent stressed parents from reacting unpredictably. The center offers free childcare for children ages 2 to 12 for up to four hours daily. It also operates a 24-hour parenting hotline at 800-243-7337.

HealthCare Access Maryland helps families secure the insurance needed for therapy. The organization partners with the state Department of Health to assist residents in enrolling in Medicaid or marketplace plans. It also manages care for Baltimore children in foster care. The agency serves Baltimore city and county, as well as Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George's, Frederick, and Charles counties. Residents can call 410-500-4710 for assistance or visit the office on Redwood Street.

Health Care for the Homeless in Penn-Fallsway provides medical and mental health care to those experiencing homelessness. Therapy is available for English and Spanish speaking children ages 14 and older at downtown and West Baltimore locations. Social workers at the center assist parents in obtaining vital documents and securing housing. Once families are housed, staff provide supports such as occupational therapy and assistance with daily tasks to help them remain in their homes.

The Center for Hope near Pimlico conducts forensic interviews for children suspected of sexual abuse. Adam Rosenberg, the executive director, explained that the single-interview model developed in the 1980s replaced the previous practice of asking victims to repeat their stories multiple times. The new facility includes bright colors, natural light, a playground, and an art station. A trained black Labrador named Manny is present to soothe children during the process. The center currently serves only families referred by authorities, though Rosenberg hopes to expand access.

House of Ruth Maryland in Montebello offers emergency shelter for survivors of intimate partner violence. The facility has 23 private rooms and no cap on the length of stay, although many families remain for about 90 days. A licensed childcare center at the shelter serves up to 19 children ages 6 and under. The organization operates a 24-hour hotline at 410-889-7884 and provides counseling in English and Spanish.

Roberta's House in East Baltimore's Midway neighborhood supports grieving children and families. Founded in the 1980s by a funeral home director, it runs 10-week programs such as Growing Through Loss and Families Healing Together. The organization also hosts Camp Erin, a free weekend bereavement camp for ages 6 to 17 held annually in August near the Chesapeake Bay. For families who lose a child, Roberta's House runs a program called HALO in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health.