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Maryland’s foster care system has recently come under intense scrutiny. A state audit, heartbreaking child death, and public testimony revealed a troubling pattern: the very agencies meant to protect children have instead exposed them to danger, instability, and neglect.
This isn’t a paperwork issue — it’s a child safety crisis. Contact our team to learn more about the state’s broken promises and why Maryland’s foster care system is failing its children.
The Maryland Social Services Administration (SSA) and local departments of social services were found to have repeatedly failed to meet basic legal requirements in caring for foster youth. Key features identified include the following.
Individuals with disqualifying criminal convictions were allowed to interact with foster children. Some had histories including sexual assault, violent crimes, or prior child abuse concerns, and background checks and supervision were inconsistent or missing entirely.
Hundreds of foster children were housed in hotels and unlicensed facilities—sometimes for months or even years. These settings lacked trained staff, structured environments, and therapeutic support.
Many children did not receive the required medical or dental exams while in state custody. No reliable tracking system ensured health requirements were met.
Reports were not filed on time, investigations failed to meet legally mandated deadlines, and children were left without timely protection or follow-up.
The bottom line is that the system failed to prevent harm, provide care, and follow the law.
The most tragic example of Maryland’s foster care systemic failures came when 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward died in a Baltimore hotel where she had been placed by the state.
Hotel placements were never meant to be a solution. For Kanaiyah, it became a last stop — and a preventable tragedy.
Following the audit and public outrage, Maryland officials:
These steps are important, but they don’t erase years of harm and Maryland’s broken promises, nor do they guarantee accountability going forward to protect the state’s youth.
To protect vulnerable youth, Maryland needs long-term, enforceable solutions:
A safe foster system doesn’t happen by accident — it must be built, staffed, and monitored with urgency.
The truth is simple: foster children deserve safety, stability, and dignity. Maryland’s system failed to deliver those promises — and some children paid the ultimate price.
If you or someone you know has been harmed by the foster care system — whether through neglect, unsafe placements, abuse, or systemic failures — you may have legal options. Our firm stands ready to listen, investigate, and advocate for those who were let down by the system meant to protect them.
You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can help you get justice.