Maryland Families Advocate for Children's Behavioral Health

Over 100 families from across the state gather in Annapolis to share experiences and push for stronger services and protections

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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More than 100 families from all corners of Maryland gathered in Annapolis on February 12th for the Maryland Coalition of Families' Family Day, sharing their experiences with lawmakers and advocating for stronger children's behavioral health services and protections. The annual event aims to make advocacy accessible and demonstrate the power of families speaking directly with policymakers.

Why it matters

Families' voices reflect statewide concerns about insufficient local services, fears over special education impacts, and the growing influence of social media and online platforms on children's mental health. The event highlights the ongoing challenges parents and caregivers face in securing the resources and support their children need.

The details

During the event, attendees heard from expert speakers on topics like the future of Maryland's children's behavioral health system, problem gaming and gambling, and navigating services and supports from a caregiver perspective. Families also received updates on current and proposed legislation affecting children and youth. After the presentations, families visited legislators' offices to share their experiences directly, communicating the challenges they face and the policy solutions they believe are necessary.

  • The annual event took place on February 12, 2026.
  • The Maryland Coalition of Families' 2026 Children Behavioral Health Priorities Survey was recently conducted.

The players

Maryland Coalition of Families

A statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free family peer support services to individuals and families affected by mental health, substance use, or problem gambling disorders. MCF has been a leading voice in advocacy, education, and support for Maryland families for 25 years.

Karen Duffy

The Executive Director of the Maryland Coalition of Families.

Laura Torres

The Director of Primary Behavioral Health and Early Intervention at the Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration.

Jessica Jolly

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Director of Counseling Services at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

Parish Smith

A parent and children's behavioral health advocate.

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What they’re saying

“Every day, parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges are fighting for the resources and services their children need to thrive. That so many families showed up to speak to their legislators is a testament to their commitment to make lasting, meaningful change, not only for their own families but for families across Maryland.”

— Karen Duffy, Executive Director, Maryland Coalition of Families (smnewsnet.com)

What’s next

The Maryland Coalition of Families plans to continue advocating for stronger children's behavioral health services and protections, using the feedback and experiences shared by families during the event to inform their policy priorities and legislative agenda.

The takeaway

The Maryland Coalition of Families' Family Day in Annapolis highlights the ongoing challenges and concerns of families across the state when it comes to accessing adequate children's behavioral health resources and services. The event demonstrates the power of families coming together to advocate directly with policymakers, with the goal of driving meaningful change to support the mental health and wellbeing of Maryland's youth.