Maryland launches ‘one-stop’ resource website for new, expecting parents

Initiative streamlines access to critical supports, according to Governor’s Office for Children

By William J. Ford - Maryland Matters

May 18, 2026 11:26 a.m.

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New families in need of health insurance, parental leave and other resources can look up that information on a new state website launched Thursday.

Resources for expecting and new parents was announced by the Governor’s Office for Children as a “one-stop” resource hub to not only support families, but also as a way to make sure children have a healthy start to their lives.

“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,” said a statement from Carmel Martin, special secretary in the Governor’s Office for Children. “By streamlining access to these critical supports, we can boost economic mobility for families and make government work better for Marylanders.”

For instance, the site has a link to the state’s Maternal Health Innovation Program that connects to a state map. On the right side of the page, a person can click on an icon to find the location for a variety of services, such as food resources, housing assistance and clinics for women, infants and children.

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The site also has a link to the state Department of Health’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau with guidance on a safe sleeping environment for babies. It provides background information on infant care, established by House Bill 177 in 2024 sponsored by Del. Robbyn Lewis (D-Baltimore City), that requires hospitals to give parents and guardians oral and written resources on how to do that.

There’s information on early childhood learning, that helps parents and guardians find a Head Start program by location. Clicking the link brings up a list of organizations throughout the state that includes Head Start of Washington County, Montgomery County Community Action Agency and Community Development Institute Head Start in St. Mary’s County.

The site also provides a link for parents to apply for the state’s popular child care scholarship program, even though enrollment has been frozen since May 1, 2025. But lawmakers allocated $20 million for the program, which is expected to cut the current waiting list of more than 5,000 families by more than half in the next fiscal year.

The new parent resource guide was worked on by state agencies in the Maryland Children’s Cabinet, which is part of the governor’s mission to reduce the number of children living in poverty.

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To assist those with limited access to a computer or other forms of technology, the governor’s office said printed copies will be distributed at hospitals, local departments of social services and Patty Centers that provide health and education services for parents with children up to age 3.

“Ensuring every family has access to helpful information and reliable support is essential to their success,” said Health Secretary Meena Seshamani. “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.”

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: editor@marylandmatters.org.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine