Maryland Department of Human Services Promises to Stop Placing Foster Children in Unlicensed Settings

In a major policy change, the Maryland Department of Human Services has vowed to end the practice of placing foster children in hotels, office buildings, and other unlicensed settings. The directive, issued by Secretary Rafael J. López, aims to address concerns raised by lawmakers and a recent scathing audit that identified 14 alleged failings within the Social Services Administration. The policy change comes as officials will be grilled by lawmakers on Wednesday about the state's handling of foster care.

Key Takeaways:

• As of Monday, there were six children living in hotels in Maryland, down from 41 on January 31, 2023.
• At least 280 Maryland children were housed in hotels between fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
• The audit identified 14 alleged failings within the Social Services Administration, including failure to verify background checks, inadequate health and dental care for foster children, and failure to comply with a federal review.
• The state faces fines of $698,296 due to non-compliance with federal regulations.
• The Department of Human Services has agreed to make changes to address some of the findings, but disputes its authority to enhance background checks for guardianship placements.
• Officials have vowed to "immediately stop facilitating stays in unlicensed settings" and relocate all children currently residing in hotels by November 24.

Statistics:

• 41 children were living in hotels on January 31, 2023.
• 280 children were housed in hotels between fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
• The state faces fines of $698,296 due to non-compliance with federal regulations.
• 14 alleged failings were identified within the Social Services Administration by the audit.

Sources:

• Statement from the Maryland Department of Human Services.
• Letter from Human Services Secretary Rafael J. López responding to the September audit.
• Maryland General Assembly's Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee.