The Children’s Home offers residential care to “at-risk” youth on its expansive 40-acre campus in Catonsville, Maryland. The entire campus underwent comprehensive physical and environmental assessments, including evaluations for life safety and ADA code compliance. The Master Plan was developed to not only expand existing programs but also introduce new ones while providing a roadmap for future growth. The planning process involved input from staff, administrators, and residents through focus groups.
Within the campus, the Diagnostic Center serves as the initial point of contact for all services and accommodates 16 females aged 8-15. It consists of a central facility flanked by two “small houses,” each featuring eight single-resident rooms. The Operations & Training Center is designed to support the complex’s needs while offering local youth opportunities for hands-on technical vocational learning experiences. This single-story structure includes four vehicle service bays, a welding area, storage for equipment and maintenance materials, a 1,700 square foot general work and carpentry shop with grounds equipment storage, men’s and women’s restrooms, lockers, showers, a staff lounge, an office, and a lofted mechanical/storage mezzanine. The shop and vehicle service area are equipped with energy-efficient overhead radiant heating.
