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Plan: Maryland PYs 2024-2027
Combined Plan C

Section: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program

Narrative: f.

Published
Located in:
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

    States that include TANF in the Combined State Plan must outline how the State will meet the requirements of section 402 of the Social Security Act including how it will:

    (OMB Control Number: 0970-0145)

f. Conduct a program designed to reach State and local law enforcement officials, the education system, and relevant counseling services, that provides education and training on the problem of statutory rape so that teenage pregnancy prevention programs may be expanded to include men (section 402(a)(1)(A)(vi) of the Social Security Act)

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)

Current Narrative:

The state of Maryland recognizes that effective campaigns to reduce incidences of statutory rape are needed. Currently, Maryland’s TCA program indirectly supports efforts related to statutory rape prevention, domestic violence screening and support services, potentially involving law enforcement to ensure participant safety. While child welfare is primarily handled by child protective services, TCA administration may overlap with law enforcement in cases where neglect or abuse stems from economic hardship. TCA funds also support child support services, which can involve law enforcement collaboration to locate parents and enforce orders, indirectly assisting in statutory rape cases where child support is needed. Furthermore, DHS collaborates with justice partners through interagency councils and workgroups to enhance communication and coordination on statutory rape prevention and education.

 

Our referral partners the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the MSDE developed and implemented programs targeted to reducing teen pregnancy and includes the following: 

●       An awareness campaign targeted to reach the male population that is likely to commit these crimes;

●       A program of education/training for law enforcement officials;

●       A plan that increases awareness through public schools; and

● Enhancement of existing programs that provide counseling to both adolescent females and males. Maryland supports agencies and community groups that serve high risk populations that are in need of abstinence education.

 

The goal is to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS in youth ages 10–19 who meet the following criteria: 

●       Live in geographic areas with high teen birth rates;

●       Youth currently in or aging out of foster care or the juvenile justice system;

●       Homeless, runaway, or Out–of–School Youth;

●       Pregnant or parenting youth; and

●       Youth with HIV/AIDS.

 

As part of the state’s campaign to reduce infant mortality, the reduction of teen pregnancy means fewer infants are born who might die before they reach one year old.

 

Maryland recognizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach to address statutory rape and remains committed to working with law enforcement and other partners to protect vulnerable individuals and families.