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Department of Juvenile Services

Become a Foster Grandparent

Welcome to the new Department of Juvenile Services website!

DJS is excited to provide you with a newly designed website built to improve user experience. We would love to hear your feedback on the new site – please email your thoughts to [email protected].

The Foster Grandparent Program is a statewide volunteer program for senior-aged (55+) adults. The program ​provides an opportunity for older volunteers to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities.​​

Foster Grandparentare role models, mentors​​, and tutors to youth with exceptional needs. Foster Grandparent serve 5-25 hours per week to provide individualized tutoring, mentoring, and emotional support to youth identified as needing assistance.

Eligible volunteers earn an hourly stipend, meals, and travel reimbursement. Applicants must agree to a criminal history check.

Volunteers serve in various settings, including public and alternative schools (Baltimore City and surrounding areas), as well as schools inside DJS facilities. Foster Grandparent ​also serve in DJS Evening Reporting Centers (ERC​s)​ and various summer programs.​

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent Volunteer or learning more about the program, please contact Denise DiBattista at [email protected] or (410) 663-8822.