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Maryland Just Created an Independent Watchdog for Foster Kids. Here’s What It Actually Does.
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April 13, 2026
Maryland has passed Kanaiyah’s Law, creating an independent child welfare ombudsman, banning unlicensed foster placements, and tightening guardianship requirements. For families navigating the system, the changes are concrete — and long overdue.
Child Safety & AdvocacyCivil Rights & Constitutional ViolationsDisability & JusticeFailure ModesFamily Court & Child WelfareJudicial Non-Enforcement & Due ProcessJustice & CriminalizationJustice System AccountabilityMarylandMaryland Child Welfare & Foster CareProject GUARDIANProject SYSTEMREBUILT Justice Project
Maryland’s Most Vulnerable: The Children Who Died While Systems Failed
February 21, 2026
Since January 2023, Maryland has reported 140–150 child maltreatment fatalities, highlighting urgent failures in the child welfare system. Despite no dramatic spikes in fatalities, the numbers remain above the national average. Effective reform requires…
Maryland Judges Required to Reveal Their Finances — But How Public Is “Public”?
November 8, 2025
Maryland's judges must file annual financial disclosure statements by April 30, detailing assets and potential conflicts of interest. While intended for transparency, the process lacks public accessibility, requiring specific requests for access to…