The goal of the Child and Adolescent Health Program is to promote and protect the health of Maryland’s 1.5 million children and adolescents, ages 0-21, by assuring that comprehensive, quality preventive and primary services are available and accessible.

The Program is responsible for developing policies and implementing primary prevention and early intervention strategies to improve the health of Maryland’s children. Leadership, consultation, training and technical assistance are provided in several program areas including early childhood health, home visiting, adolescent health and teen pregnancy prevention. The Program collaborates with numerous DHMH and other State agencies in the development of policies and programs.

Management of and/or support for Early Childhood programs including the Early Childhood Comprehensive System​s (ECCS) Grant Program,  the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program and Project LAUNCH (early childhood mental health).

Administration of programs to promote adolescent health and prevent teen pregnancies including the Maryland Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program (SRAE) and the Maryland Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP).

Overseeing the child and adolescent health components of the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program.

Coordinating planning and needs assessment activities under the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program.

Partnering with State agencies and MDH programs to promote child and adolescent health.