A recent audit has revealed significant failures by the Maryland Department of Human Services and its Social Services Administration (SSA) in safeguarding children under its care. The report, released on October 25, 2023, highlights how inadequate background checks allowed registered sex offenders access to vulnerable minors, leading to potential abuse.
The audit, conducted by the Department of Legislative Services, found that the SSA failed to perform necessary criminal background checks on vendors and service providers interacting with children. Alarmingly, the agency was unaware of seven registered sex offenders residing at an approved guardianship home that housed ten children as of August 2024. Between May 2020 and May 2024, the SSA did not ensure that criminal checks were executed on workers responsible for children’s welfare.
One employee was charged with sexual assault against a minor, while an investigation into another employee revealed inappropriate conduct with three foster children in June 2024. Additionally, it was discovered that a person employed by the SSA had a past conviction for sexual assault, dating back to 2014, yet was still allowed to work in a position involving children. Another employee had a murder conviction from 1990, which should have barred them from such employment.
The audit also criticized the SSA for not providing adequate placements for children. Approximately 280 foster children were placed in hotels under the supervision of unlicensed providers between 2023 and 2024, with some children remaining in these settings for over two years. The SSA could not document any efforts made to find appropriate placements for these children. Furthermore, many foster children did not receive the required medical and dental care, raising concerns about their well-being.
Brian S. Tanen, legislative auditor, noted the severity of the situation, stating, “We noted numerous children for which there was no support that educational and health services were provided and who were placed in unauthorized settings without appropriate supervision.”
The report indicated that SSA had overpaid foster care providers by $34.5 million and failed to deliver promised social services to 12,500 providers and parents, costing nearly $359.4 million. In response to the audit, Maryland Secretary of Human Services Rafael Lopez emphasized the agency’s commitment to improving oversight and monitoring systems since 2023.
Despite Lopez’s assurances, the findings have sparked outrage among state officials. Wayne Hartman, Chief Deputy Minority Whip and a Republican member of the Maryland House, expressed his anger, stating, “As a father and a grandfather, I am enraged that this agency has completely failed in its duty to protect vulnerable children.”
The audit’s recommendations call for the SSA to establish secure processes for child services, improve monitoring programs, and ensure that children receive necessary medical care. The SSA stated that it has been working with urgency to address these issues since taking office, claiming to have enhanced its information systems and monitoring performance.
As Maryland continues to grapple with these findings, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the foster care system. The seriousness of the audit’s conclusions highlights the need for immediate action to prevent further lapses in child protection.
