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DHS Making Child Support Services More Accessible for Maryland Citizens

Serving over one million Maryland citizens annually, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state's primary social services provider. The Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA), a sub-department of DHS works with families to help ensure that every child has access to financial, medical and emotional support needed to grow and thrive.

To better serve the citizens in Maryland seeking child support, the Application for Child Support Enforcement services  provides a public, online application for citizens to apply for child support services and pay the application fee. Citizens can apply electronically for child support enforcement services, including:
  • Searching for the other parent
  • Legally establishing paternity
  • Establishing a court order for child support and health insurance coverage
  • Collecting support payments
  • Enforcing the court order
  • Reviewing and modifying a court order
This service has allowed DHS the ability to provide a better customer service experience for our public through the convenience of an online application. At the same time having the ability to complete much of the application process prior to coming to a local Child Support office has enabled faster and more efficient customer intake processing, as well as reduce waiting time, mistakes and return visits. In addition to these benefits, this service supported Maryland's goal of performing at the level of the top 10 states in terms of the federal child support.
 
In response to the monthly user experience survey an anonymous user stated "I am absolutely THANKFUL for this online service! I currently don't have a car, and it would have cost more than $16.50 to get to your office and back. The service is extremely helpful and convenient; thanks again for providing this service."
 
Usage has more than doubled since the initial launch of this service, and is expected to continue to grow. 
   
Online Environmental Permits Speed Up Processing

The mission of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is to protect and restore the quality of the State's air, water, and land resources.  It accomplishes this mission by assessing, preventing, and controlling sources of environmental pollution.

The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) launched the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to facilitate and expedite several business processes including:
  • submission of permit applications
  • analysis and approval of the permit
  • payment for the permit
  • subsequent monitoring of permit holder compliance
All data is electronically transmitted to MDE's system, permitting both full and partial transfers from one party to another. Not only was this more efficient for the permit applicant, but it is directly aligned with the agencies goal to i mplement a technology solution that reduced energy consumption, reduced paper consumption, and reduced physical travel requirements.

Since the launch of the service 7,475 permits have been issued through the system and over $3,442,017 in agency statutory fees have been collected on behalf of MDE. Through the use of web based services the agency has been able to improve business processes, operations, and customer service. 


Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can with the Maryland Prepares App

September is National Preparedness Month with the primary focus of increasing the number of individuals, families and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school and place of worship should a disaster strike. By taking action to prepare, we are helping first responders in our community. 

Maryland Emergency Management Agency's award winning,  free mobile application MARYLAND Prepares,  provides on-the-go resources Marylanders need to be prepared before, during and after an emergency or severe weather incident and provides real-time alerts for citizens.  With the addition of MEMA's aggregated real-time alert data to the mobile app, residents receive the most up-to-the-minute information.  The device's location automatically determines the region, but users can manually select a different region and manage the push notifications in the device settings.  iPhone users also receive the push notifications on a paired Apple Watch.

Additional Features Include:
  • Prepare Emergency Kits through interactive checklists
  • View Emergency Preparation Guides for different types of emergencies
  • Create customized Family Communication Plans
  • Send an "I'm Safe" message via email, text, and social networks
  • Monitor current cyber threats and suspicious activity
  • Access Maryland Emergency Management Agency news and events
  • View current and extended national weather forecasts based on current location; ability to save multiple locations
  • Locate Maryland Emergency Management Agency contacts and other useful emergency resources
  • Customizable application settings and privacy controls

"Downloading the MARYLAND Prepares mobile app is one way that residents can prepare themselves for emergencies before they occur," said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland. "This free app equips Marylanders with resources and alert information that can help keep them safe and informed after a disaster."
CELEBRATING MARYLAND'S AWARD WINNING SERVICES

The Interactive Media Awards™ recognize the highest standards of excellence in website design and development. Honoring individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievement. 

 
Maryland.gov 
Best in Class Award 
Government Website Category
DoIT
Read Press Announcement
 



School Bus Mobile Safety Inspection System
Outstanding Achievement Award
Government Website Category
MDOT MVA


ENTERPRISE SERVICE OFFERING


NIC's Application Engine is a configurable, "low-code" application platform. Applications that automatically adapt to desktop, tablet, and mobile devices can be configured in a fraction of the time as custom developed applications, and you can have precise control over the user experience. AppEngine can also integrate with payment processing and agency application data.   

Want more information? 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Janet Grard 
General Manager

Lan Pasek
DoIT Contract Administrator
[email protected]