Provides temporary care for Jewish children whose families are unable to care  for them. All foster families are required to obtain state approved training and  receive a cash stipend. Support & counseling are provided to the biological  family, foster family and foster child. Reunification of the foster child and  his/her family, or a plan of permanency for the child, is the ultimate goal. JCS  is a licensed foster care provider in the State of Maryland.

Adoptive families may face unique issues in raising their children. Jewish Community Services (JCS) of Baltimore and Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) in Rockville partner to provide a range of coordinated services to adoptive families, adoptees and birth parents in the Baltimore-Washington area.

- Private consultations to identify adoption alternatives
- Home studies
- Counseling for birth parents
- Private adoption services
- Required post-placement supervision for domestic and international adoptions and support and guidance
throughout the adoption process.

- Information, education and referral to adoptive families and those touched by adoption
- Post-adoption services, including counseling and support to adoptive families throughout the life cycle
- Support groups
- Adoption Alliances also facilitates searches and reunions including a monthly support group for people
interested in adoption search issues. The group is open to adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents,
and birth siblings.

JCS offers educational workshops for parents of children with special needs, from birth to 21 years of age, on topics such as stress reduction, behavior management, resource sharing, and family issues. “Sibshops” for children who have siblings with disabilities are sponsored by JCS in conjunction with Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and Abilities Network.

JOIN for Teens provides recreational, social, educational and preventive programs for Jewish teens and their families. JOIN is a collaborative program of Jewish Community Services and the Jewish Community Center. The program operates the Mitchell David Teen Center. Teen Hotline: 410-988-8001.

Baltimore is plagued by alarmingly high rates of drug addiction and HIV/AIDS infection. Our friends, our families, and our children are not immune to these dangers. JCS offers age appropriate education and outreach to raise community awareness about the risky behaviors associated with substance abuse, addiction and the spread of the HIV/AIDS – while addressing personal responsibility and values in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. HIV/AIDS prevention education is supported by the Steven Kaufman AIDS Outreach Project.

JCS serves adolescents, adults and families suffering from alcohol, drug or other addictions. Our Addiction Services are provided by clinicians specifically trained in working with a variety of different addictions issues. We help address the challenges of substance use, abuse and addiction through recovery-focused counseling, treatment, and referral services.

JCS Scholarship Program