MD Governor’s Office for Children launches resource hub for parents

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The Governor’s Office for Children has launched a website designed to connect expecting and new parents with state resources to support their families.

The Maryland New Parents Guide, announced May 14, can be found at maryland.gov/new-parents. The comprehensive, one-stop resource hub organizes state resources by life stage, enabling parents to find what best suits their immediate needs.

The online guide is a streamlined site that offers information on healthcare, food assistance, childcare subsidies, home visiting programs and more in one place. This eliminates the burden of having to navigate multiple websites for needful benefits, services and resources, according to GOC.

“Welcoming a child should be a moment of joy, but without adequate access to support and resources, starting or growing a family can be an economic hurdle,” GOC Special Secretary Carmel Martin said according to a release. 

“This ‘one-stop shop’ compiles resources across the state and makes it easier for families and new parents to access critical resources. By streamlining access to these critical supports, we can boost economic mobility for families and make government work better for Marylanders.” 

Numerous state agencies participating in the Maryland Children’s Cabinet contributed input and guidance as The Maryland New Parents Guide website was assembled, a GOC release says. The online version of the guide is optimized for mobile use, state officials said, adding that state agencies – including the Maryland Department of Health – will distribute printable copies of the guide to locations like hospitals, patty centers and local departments of social services.

“This new guide serves as a vital bridge for families and caregivers from pregnancy through early childhood, making sure that essential healthcare, nutrition, and early education resources are always within reach to support them at every step,” MDH Secretary Meena Seshamani said.