Children's Aid Society: Established in 1861 to provide protection for children through foster care and advocacy services, based on the principle "that a child can only attain its highest development in the home, and that where the child cannot be continued in its own home, it is of vital importance to provide a good foster home."

Charity Organization Society (COS): Started in the late 1800's by Daniel Coit Gilman, president of Johns Hopkins University. In a change from popular attitudes of the day, Gilman believed that instead of simply providing relief to those in need, individuals could be educated to identify issues that were impeding their success, and take responsibility for their own lives, rather than relying on the charity of others.

Family Welfare Association: In 1919, Federated Charities of Baltimore (under which AICP and COS merged) changed its name to the Family Welfare Association, both to reflect the agency's emphasis on the well-being of the family, and to end confusion with the Baltimore Alliance, a fund raising organization and predecessor of the Community Chest, the United Fund, and the United Way.

Family and Children's Society: The Community Chest, after reviewing the services of its constituent agencies, recommended a merger of several of them. In 1942, the Family Welfare Association agreed to a merger with the Henry Watson Children's Aid Society, popularly known as the Family and Children's Society.

Maryland Society to Protect Children from Cruelty and Immorality: an organization founded in 1878. It recognized that "cruelty is inflicted upon children in more ways than by blows, exposure and starvation," and is credited with initiating "beneficial legislation for the protection of children from the crimes and abuses of adults." Merged with Family and Children's Society in 1943, as did The Shelter for Aged and Infirm Colored Persons , founded in 1881. The Electric Sewing Machine Society, founded in 1891 to train indigent women and girls to operate power machines, merged with Family and Children's Society soon after.

Beginning in the 1960s, county organizations concerned with the welfare of children, families and the elderly began a series of mergers which continued until 1985, when the merger of Family and Children's Society and Maryland Children's and Family Services resulted in the creation of Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland .

Changing times, changing needs, changing resources and challenges. One constant remains: our tradition of providing services to those who need them the most, in the ways most appropriate to their circumstances and life goals.