BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The Children’s Home is much more than four walls.

Located in Catonsville, the nonprofit, spread out over 44 acres, provides both shelter and programming for distressed youth from the region. Working with social services departments throughout Maryland, the Children’s Home is able to create a pipeline for children in need, serving about 65 youth full time.

With a $3.6 million diagnostic center set to open Sept. 20, the home will be able to serve even more youth and expand its level of care.

“This diagnostic center, for us, is going to be a hallmark on the campus,” said Andre Cooper, chief executive officer of the Children’s Home. “It’s our first newly constructed building in over 30 years and first new residential program since the early 1920s.”

Construction started about a year ago. The new diagnostic center will provide individual housing for 16 high-risk girls. Up to 30 staff members could be needed, including a psychiatrist, therapist and a pair of full-time social workers. The home also plans to work with Baltimore County teachers to provide educational assistance for children ages 8 through 17.

The hope for the facility is that it will assist in diagnosing youth while serving as a place to provide assistance to reunited families.

“Our goal is to get them back home, but for some that isn’t possible,” said Mark Mittelman, deputy director of the home.

Founded in 1863, the Children’s Home serves males and females ages 8 to 21. The group also provides recreational activities, including an on-campus pool.

But without volunteers, the healing process would take longer.

“There’s a need and the children are so amazing, and it’s gratifying to see what we can do with some effort,” said Angie McLean, a Catonsville resident who has volunteered with the group for the past three years with her husband. “It has been a blessing.”

More information

» The Children’s Home

205 Bloomsbury Ave.

Catonsville, 21228

410-744-7310

thechildrenshome.net

dcarey@baltimoreexaminer.com