Prevention Services

Prevention works with the community to promote public health to prevent alcohol, marijuana and other drug use amongst young children, adolescents and young adults. The program employs evidence-based prevention strategies to reduce behavioral health risk factors, and support policy change and compliance with local laws and regulations to ensure the safety of young people in Baltimore County.

ACTIVE PARENTING ONLINE EDUCATION CLASSES

Help prevent future problems with alcohol, drugs and sex; encourage success and stimulate independence for your 5 to 12 year old. Build skills for honest communication, respectful discipline and prevention of risky behavior for your tweens and teens.

Our self-paced, online parenting education classes are free for all Baltimore County residents and are low-stress, convenient and perfect for the busy parent. Once you register, the 60-day enrollment period allows you access to videos, activities and lessons from any web browser, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All participants receive a free parent guide. A gift package and certification will be provided upon course completion.  

Enhance your parenting skills from the comfort of your home. View an award-winning video series that covers the parenting of children five to 12 and parenting of tweens and teens for free. All videos are available in English and Spanish. Complete the appropriate form for the course you are interested in:

ALL STARS CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Department of Health supports the utilization of the All Stars Character Education program for fourth and fifth graders (ages 9 to 11). The focus of All Stars Character Education is on strengthening students' motivation to avoid risky behaviors by:

  • Establishing positive norms
  • Promoting bonding to positive peers and a positive adult
  • Building six positive character qualities which include being caring, forgiving, helpful, honest, respectful and responsible
  • Promote positive family relationships

There are 15 highly engaging and hands-on activities.

Organizations are eligible to apply for $1,450 to implement the program (based on 10 eligible students per group). Funds for this program are limited. Applications will be reviewed and considered for funding as they are received.

Applications will be accepted until all the funds for this program are exhausted. For more information, please contact Asheima Parkinson by calling 410-887-3324 or emailing aparkinson@baltimorecountymd.gov.

For additional information and to have your child join our program, call 410-887-3828.

COMBATING UNDERAGE DRINKING COALITION (CUD)

The BCDH partners with many organizations as members of the CUD coalition. This effort focuses on affecting policies and practices associated with underage and high-risk drinking and related consequences. To become involved, email behavioralhealth@baltimorecountymd.gov or visit Recognize The Risk.

BALTIMORE COUNTY PARTNERS IN PREVENTING UNDERAGE DRINKING

  • Businesses
  • Colleges and universities
  • Courts
  • Government agencies
  • Law enforcement
  • Licensed beverage associations
  • Liquor Board
  • Media
  • Parents
  • Schools
  • Youth
  • You

OUTREACH

To request staff attendance or materials to provide at outreach events, complete the Community Event Requests Form. The Bureau of Behavioral Health may provide information about substance use prevention, treatment, recovery support services, tobacco and mental health.

SUPPORTING OUR GRADUATING SENIORS

The Baltimore County Safe and Sober Transportation Company Pledge is part of a voluntary program aimed at protecting the lives of young people during the prom and graduation season. Since this is a voluntary program, all companies who sign the Safe and Sober Transportation Pledge are encouraged to adhere to the spirit and guidelines of the program.

The Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health, the Maryland Limousine Association and Baltimore County Public School partners are working together to ensure that the guidelines of this program are followed. If a transportation company who has signed this pledge does not follow these guidelines, this oversight group has the authority to suspend or terminate the transportation company from the Safe and Sober Pledge program.

The following guidelines will be adhered to by this company and its operators for prom-related events:

  • Tobacco and vape products will not be used or transported by minors in our vehicles.
  • Alcohol will not be supplied or transported in our vehicles.
  • Alcohol use will not be allowed in our vehicles.
  • Illegal drug use or possession will not be permitted.
  • Cannabis use or possession in any form will not be permitted.
  • Companies should monitor what passengers bring into vehicles.
  • Vehicles should be checked each time passengers depart from the vehicle.
  • Appropriate number of staff should be provided to properly monitor the passengers.

Listed below are the participant organizations and their public service commission number.

We have listed below, a few questions you should ask limousine companies before you sign a contract or pay a deposit. It is strongly suggested that you talk directly with the company you want to get information from. Many times, the internet will provide false or misleading information (photos, pricing, locality, etc). Don't place a reservation online with someone you have not talked with first. Take a moment to verify their authority to operate. Don't place a reservation blindly. There are two different classifications of “For Hire” vehicles and the required Licensing and Commercial Vehicle Insurance is different for each. In addition, the chauffeur or driver is required to have a special driving license to operate any of these vehicles. Public Service Commission (PSC) is Maryland’s governing Authority.

  • Limousines and Sedans—These vehicles could be for one to 14 passengers. Examples of these types of vehicle could be standard Lincoln town car sedan, standard SUV, six-, eight-, 10-, 12- or 14-passenger stretch limousine, van, 14-passenger or under shuttle or mini limo coach.
    • Any person operating any of the above vehicles are required to hold in their possession, a PSC For Hire Driver’s license along with their Maryland Driver’s License. If the company is licensed to operate in Maryland, visit the PSC website or call 410-767-8000.
    • All vehicles must display a yellow Authority sticker and a red and white sticker on the lower portion of their front windshield.
    • Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) tags should end with a “B,” “LM” or “P” (for example, 12345LM, 56789B, 123 21P). If any other tag is displayed, then the company does not have Maryland authority to operate the vehicle.
  • SUV Stretch, Limo Coaches, Buses—These vehicles are rated as 15-passenger or more. Examples of these vehicles could be stretch SUVs, stretch hummers, limo coaches, limo bus, limo party bus, shuttle bus, motor coaches and lim-bus-ines.
    • Any person operating any of the above vehicles are required to hold in their possession a CDL Driver’s License with Passenger Endorsement along with their Maryland Driver’s License.
    • If the company is licensed to operate, they are required to hold federal USDOT Authority and display their USDOT numbers on both sides of their vehicle. To  see if this company is legal to operate, visit the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) website.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Please refer to the questions below based upon the type of vehicle you want to contract. Ask these questions of the limo company. If they avoid answering or cannot immediately answer these questions. then cross that company off your list and call the next limousine company. Don’t look for the cheapest deal. Look for a responsible company that is properly insured and licensed. 

  • Vehicle—What is the size, color and year of the limo? 
    • Can you view the car prior to prom night?
    • Do they have the required PSC stickers displayed on their windshield and their USDOT numbers on each side of the vehicle. (Vehicles with a capacity of 15 or more passengers must display these numbers.)
  • Cost—What is the total cost for the rental of the limo? Does the total cost include gratuity (tip) for the chauffeur?
  • Contract—Is a contract written?
    • When are the deposit and the signed contract due back to the limousine company?
    • Is the deposit refundable or non-refundable?
  • Chauffeur—Is the chauffeur properly trained/licensed in the State of Maryland and does the chauffeur have a current PSC for Hire license? (When the vehicle arrives, ask to see the chauffeur or driver’s PSC for Hire driver’s license or their CDL Passenger Endorsement License.)
  • Certificates/Insurance—Is this company:
    • Currently holding a valid PSC certificate? If so, what is their courier number? (Every limousine and transportation company must be registered with the Public Service Commission.)
    • Properly insured in the State of Maryland?
  • Policies—Does the company:
    • Have a policy of no alcohol or illegal drugs?
    • Participate in a County or school-sponsored "Prom Promise" program?

COOPERATING TAVERNS AND RESPONSIBLE RETAILERS' PROGRAM

Window cling

In an effort to decrease underage and high-risk drinking, the BCDH developed the Cooperating Taverns and Responsible Retailers' Program. The program is supported by the Baltimore County Police Department, Liquor Board and Licensed Beverage Association. The purpose of this program is to recognize the efforts of responsible alcohol retailers in Baltimore County.

Alcohol establishment owners who sign the Cooperating Taverns and Alcohol Retailers' Agreement receive a window cling to inform the community of their commitment to implementing responsible service practices. Creating an environment where it is difficult for youth to purchase alcohol is possible when communities work together. Be a part of the solution by refusing to purchase or provide alcohol for youth. Look for the window cling identifying responsible retailers in your neighborhood.

View a list of participating alcohol retailers who have signed the agreement, thereby joining the efforts of the Department of Health to address underage and high-risk drinking.

RESOURCES

Talking to children about alcohol can be intimidating, but it can have a huge impact on their future. Parents are the number one influence on whether or not their kids drink. The Talk. They Hear You app is designed for parents of children ages 9 to 15. It helps parents and caregivers practice tough conversations about alcohol.