DJS’s Office of Licensing and Monitoring, housed within the Inspector General’s Office, licenses and monitors Residential Childcare Centers (RCCs). The Office serves a critical role in ensuring that programs meet all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and standards, including COMAR requirements and departmental policies, while promoting youth safety, quality services, and continuous improvement across the Department’s continuum of care.
Provider Licensing Process
DJS can only issue a
Residential Child Care license in response to a Statement of Need (SON). A SON is an official certification of public need for the location and establishment of a residential child care program (group home). SONs are posted on the
Maryland Register.
If approved through the SON process, Applicants for licensure have six months from the date of issuance of the application by the Office of Licensing and Monitoring to submit a completed application. The Office of Licensing and Monitoring shall issue a licensure determination within sixty (60) days of receipt of the completed application. The COMAR regulations governing DJS-licensed groups homes can be accessed through the link below.
