ACP Participation
Simply joining the ACP will not protect participants. ACP procedures must be followed carefully for the program to be effective. All household members should participate. Discuss your safety plan with your children and other household members, emphasizing the importance of not sharing your address.
Participation in the ACP is for 4 years but can be renewed every 4 years thereafter. The ACP will contact all participants to offer a renewal application as the date of program expiration approaches.
There is no cost for ACP participation.
Mail-forwarding Service
All participants share the same mailing address. Mail is identified and sorted by each participant's unique Authorization Number, often referred to as the ACP number, then forwarded to the confidential address. An ACP participant's address is incomplete without an ACP number and may be returned to sender if it cannot be identified. Participant mail must go through 2 mail cycles for delivery to the confidential address, so there is a delay in receiving mail. Participants may notify the ACP if they are expecting something time sensitive.
The ACP cannot forward magazines, packages, or presorted bulk mail. Participants, if you receive presorted bulk mail at your confidential address with your name on it, please contact the ACP.
Notice
Maryland State and local government agencies, private entities and individuals are legally required to accept the ACP substitute address. It is the participant's responsibility to provide notice of ACP participation and the substitute address by showing the ACP Authorization Card or Notice of ACP Participation form.
Responsibilities
For the ACP to effectively protect participants and their families, participants must notify the ACP of the following:
- Any change in name, address or contact information at least 7 days before the change
- Intent to purchase real property
- Court involvement in any capacity
- Disclosure by anyone of the confidential address
- Knowledge or suspicion that the confidential address is publicly available or known to the perpetrator
Participant Handbook
Details regarding ACP participation and important procedures for interacting with government agencies, utility companies, and other entities are available in the participant handbook. Handbooks are distributed upon acceptance and renewal to the ACP and may be obtained by contacting the ACP at 410.260.3875.
