Baltimore County POARP

The Women’s Law Center is very excited to open a Protection Order Advocacy and Representation Project (POARP) site in Baltimore County. This project will serve victims of domestic violence who are seeking civil protection in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. It is funded through a Violence Against Women grant from the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). Similar to several other POARP sites, this project is operated as a partnership between the Women’s Law Center and the House of Ruth.

The POARP office in Baltimore County provides on-site and free legal representation. The staff attorneys conduct an initial consultation with victims of domestic violence, provide assistance in completing the petition for protection, provide safety planning, answer family law questions and describe how to press criminal charges. They represent the petitioner at protective order hearings, as well as contempt and modification hearings. In some cases, they provide representation at the ex parte hearing and will also accompany victims to criminal court appearances. In addition to providing direct legal services, the attorneys provide information and referrals to community-based support services and other court services.

With the opening of the Baltimore County location, POARP services are available in four of the five jurisdictions within Maryland that have designated Family Divisions. The AOC’s commitment to improve access to justice by supporting attorneys located in the courthouse is laudable. The on-site location greatly enhances the program’s ability to provide accessible legal services at a critical juncture and facilitates effective safety planning. The project staff will strive to coordinate their services and interventions with other service providers, including the police, the Sheriff’s Office and domestic violence service providers, to help insure an effective response to the violence. The overall goal of the services is to maximize the protection provided through the legal system.

The POARP office in Baltimore County is staffed by two full-time attorneys. Ms. Ellen Hare is the Women’s Law Center’s new attorney assigned to the project. She brings over seven years of experience in private practice in the area of family law. Her practice was primarily in Baltimore County, and included representation in numerous Protective Order hearings. Ellen’s knowledge of Baltimore County practice and the depth of her experience in family law are invaluable assets for the program. We are pleased to welcome Ellen to the Women’s Law Center staff.

The POARP project has received a warm welcome from the Baltimore County Circuit Court, which has provided office space and phones, and local domestic violence advocates. We look forward to working with the judges, court staff and other legal and social services providers in Baltimore County to provide enhanced safety and protection for victims of domestic violence.

The POARP office is located in Room 316 of the Baltimore County Circuit Courthouse, 401 Bosley Avenue in Towson, and the phone number is 410-887-3162. Clients can receive services by visiting the office or calling for an appointment.