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The Blue Ribbon Project
The Blue Ribbon Project is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. We are committed to both the prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and as a support network for survivors of Child Abuse, Foster Care, and Child Sexual Assault.
We offer several programs that directly serve abused and neglected children, raise public awareness about child abuse, and programs serving adult survivors of child abuse.
Covid-19 Update & Flooding: With the spread of Covid-19, The Blue Ribbon Project is following guidance from our local and state government and will be postponing all Volunteer events until further notice. In addition to this, The Blue Ribbon Project recently experienced a significant flood to the lower floor of our building. Repairs are being made, however, this has made some of our rooms inaccessible. Mirah's Closet and other portions of The Blue Ribbon Project are OPEN by appointment.
St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services
23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown 20650, Maryland
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- General info
All Maryland citizens should report suspected abuse or neglect to the local department of social services or to a local law enforcement agency. Ensuring the safety of Maryland’s children is an obligation shared by all citizens and organizations.
If you are a health care practitioner, educator, human service worker or a law enforcement officer, you are required by law to report both orally and in writing any suspected child abuse or neglect.You should report your suspicion to the local department in the jurisdiction where you believe the abuse or neglect took or is taking place.
Oral reports should be made immediately. A mandated reporter must also complete a written report within 48 hours of contact which discloses the suspected abuse or neglect.
When making a report of suspected abuse, the report must include at minimal:
- The name and home address of the child and the parent or other individual responsible for the care of the child;
- The present location of the child;
- The age of the child (or approximate age);;
- Names and ages of other children in the home;
- The nature and extent of injuries or sexual abuse or neglect of the child
- Any information relayed by the individual making the report of previous possible physical or sexual abuse or neglect.
- Information available to the individual reporting that might aid in establishing the cause of the injury or neglect;
- The identity of the individual or individuals responsible for abuse or neglect
The person receiving your report will request additional information in order to obtain the most comprehensive and complete information possible to inform decision making and subsequent agency actions. Because Child Protective Services seeks to affect both safety and change, information on the family’s strengths as well as difficulties will be requested.
If reporting abuse or neglect of a child involving mental injury, a description of the substantial impairment of the child’s mental or psychological ability to function that was observed and identified and why it is believed to be attributable to an act of maltreatment or omission of proper care and attention.
All reports of suspected child abuse are immune from civil liability unless they are purposefully erroneous or malicious.
Our Programs
In support of child victims of Child Abuse and adult Survivors of Child Abuse, The Blue Ribbon Project offers a variety of programs that directly impact the community. These programs include:
Aging Up...Not Out: This program supports older foster youth as they are preparing for life on their own and will be leaving the foster care system. This program offers a variety of life skills topics that include such things as managing finances, purchasing a vehicle, finding housing, applying for and interviewing for employment, as well as other life skills. These courses are free to foster youth aged 14 and above. Seating is limited and registration is required for each program. Read more...
Backpacks of Love: This program supports victims of child abuse and neglect the moment they are being removed from a dangerous enviroment. Oftentimes, the child is lacking the very basic essentials such as a toothbrush/toothpaste, a change of clothes, etc. The moment a child is removed, The Blue Ribbon Project is notified by Department of Social Services, the Police, or the foster parent receiving the child. A backpack containing those essentials is delivered directly to the child. This gets them through the first few days of care. Read more...
Foster Friends:The Foster Friends Program helps children in care explore extra curricular activities and provides opportunities not normally afforded to them. If a foster child wishes to participate in programs such as soccer, Taekwondo, play a music instrument, take ballet, or other activities, The Blue Ribbon Project will sponsor the child and help enroll and pay for the child to participate. Read more...
Mirah's Closet: Mirah's Closet, a Foster Closet Program offered by The Blue Ribbon Project, provides FREE clothing and other essential items to children who are in foster care. We provide school uniforms, play clothes, pajamas, new underwear, outer clothing, and seasonal items such as coats and bathing suits. We also work to fill other needs of youth in foster care (such as housewares for youth aging out of the foster care system and moving out on their own). All of the items offered by Mirah's closet are mostly new items with the exception of some gently used items. Mirah's Closet provides each family a one on one, boutique style shopping experience where the foster child has a choice in what they would like to keep. Read more...
Speak Up...Speak Out: One of the best ways to fight child abuse is the prevention of abuse and neglect. The Blue Ribbon Project has several speakers from a variety of backgrounds to discuss the topic of child abuse. From law enforcement investigators that speak about recognition of abuse to adult survivors of abuse who share their stories. Read more...
JobConnect: This program helps connect foster youth with prospective employers by assisting with employment searches, job applications, and working with both the youth and the employer. It helps older foster youth get a fresh start in the job market to master the important skills needed in life. Read More...
FosterLink: In it's continuing mission to support foster youth, we have launched a separate website called FosterLink. FosterLink is an on-line community comprised of foster youth, former foster youth, as well as various professionals from the community. You'll find a wealth of information and resource articles on a variety of personal topics. Read More...
St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services