Terri Garland of Harford County: A Distinguished Legal Leader and Community Advocate

Terri Garland has made a profound impact on Harford County and Maryland’s legal landscape. With decades of service as an Administrative Law Judge and as a leader in child advocacy, she has gained widespread recognition for her commitment to justice and her dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations. This article explores Garland’s extensive contributions to the community, her professional background, and the lasting influence she has had on both the legal field and local services in Maryland.

Terri Garland’s Impact on Harford County

For over three decades, Terri Garland has been an influential figure in Harford County. She began her legal career in the Office of the State’s Attorney, where she focused on cases related to family violence and child sexual abuse. Her work in these areas laid the foundation for her later achievements, including the establishment of the Harford County Child Advocacy Center in 1993. Now known as The Family Justice Center, this multidisciplinary facility provides vital support and services to victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, making it an indispensable resource for the community.

In 2003, Garland’s expertise in family violence led to her appointment as Special Secretary for the Governor’s Office of Children, Youth, and Families. In this role, she played a crucial part in shaping policies and programs aimed at advancing the health, safety, and well-being of children across the state of Maryland.

Professional Contact Information for Terri Garland

While her personal information remains private, Garland’s professional roles and affiliations are accessible through public directories and community resources in Harford County. As a well-known figure in legal and philanthropic circles, she has made numerous contributions to public forums and events. Her leadership in organizations like the Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County underscores her dedication to community development and philanthropy.

Terri Garland’s Professional Work Address

Terri Garland’s professional address is primarily linked to her work as an Administrative Law Judge at the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The office handles administrative disputes between citizens, businesses, and state agencies. While her personal home address is kept private, Garland remains accessible through official channels related to her public roles in Harford County and Maryland.

Contacting Terri Garland by Email

For professional inquiries, Garland can be reached through the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, where she has served since 2005. She presides over disputes between citizens and businesses and various state agencies, leveraging her legal expertise to resolve complex cases. Garland’s involvement with community initiatives like the Women’s Giving Circle also makes it possible for individuals and organizations to connect with her through these public avenues.

Terri Garland as an Administrative Law Judge

Since 2005, Garland has served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. In this role, she oversees a wide range of disputes between citizens, businesses, and state government agencies. The Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings was established to ensure fairness and impartiality in administrative conflicts, centralizing the process previously handled by hearing examiners within the agencies themselves.

Garland’s experience as a prosecutor in cases of family violence and child advocacy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate sensitive and complex issues. Her current caseload includes matters related to public benefits, medical licensing, and administrative appeals, where her commitment to justice is reflected in her thorough and compassionate approach to adjudicating disputes.

Terri Garland’s Contributions to Child Advocacy and Domestic Violence Prevention

Prior to her role as an Administrative Law Judge, Garland served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Harford County for more than a decade, focusing primarily on family violence and child sexual abuse cases. In 1991, she created the first Domestic Violence Unit in the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, addressing the urgent legal and social needs of domestic violence victims. This unit worked closely with law enforcement and social services to prosecute offenders and support survivors.

In 1993, Garland was instrumental in establishing the Harford County Child Advocacy Center. This center brought together professionals from multiple disciplines, including law enforcement, social services, and legal experts, to investigate and prosecute cases of child abuse while offering critical support to victims and their families. The center has since become a model for similar programs statewide and is recognized for its effectiveness in combating child abuse and advocating for victims.

For her work in these areas, Garland has received numerous awards, including the Governor’s Award for Victim Assistance and the Maryland Child Advocacy Center Alliance Award of Excellence. Her dedication to justice and advocacy has made her a respected and influential figure in Maryland’s legal community.

Terri Garland’s Philanthropic Efforts in Harford County

In addition to her legal work, Garland is deeply involved in community service and philanthropy. She is an active member of the Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County, an organization that empowers women through collective philanthropy. As Chair of the Members’ Choice Award Committee, Garland helps direct funding to projects that benefit women and families in the community, furthering her positive influence on Harford County’s development.

The Women’s Giving Circle has funded numerous initiatives, including educational programs, domestic violence survivor services, and health initiatives for low-income women and children. Garland’s role in this organization highlights her commitment to community service and her belief in the power of collective action to effect change.

Conclusion

Terri Garland is a prominent figure in Harford County’s legal and philanthropic communities. Her career as an Administrative Law Judge, along with her pioneering efforts in child advocacy and family violence prevention, demonstrate her unwavering dedication to justice and the well-being of her community. Through her leadership in organizations like the Women’s Giving Circle, she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of women and families in Harford County.

Garland’s extensive legal experience and philanthropic work underscore her influence as a tireless advocate for justice, fairness, and community service. Whether presiding over legal disputes or championing charitable causes, her contributions are felt across Maryland and serve as an inspiring example of how one individual can create lasting, positive change.