Maryland Officials Grilled Over Girl's Death in State Care

Lawmakers demand reforms after 16-year-old's suicide at Baltimore hotel

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:31pm

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Maryland Department of Human Services officials faced tough questioning from state senators over the death of a 16-year-old girl, Kanaiyah Ward, who died by suicide while living at a Baltimore hotel under state care. Lawmakers criticized the agency for leaving some foster children in hospital rooms for months without proper services or schooling.

Why it matters

The case has highlighted ongoing issues with the state's foster care system, including the practice of placing children in hotels and hospitals for extended periods due to a lack of appropriate placements. Lawmakers are pressing for reforms to better protect vulnerable youth in state custody.

The details

Kanaiyah Ward died from an intentional Benadryl overdose while staying at a Baltimore hotel under state care. Senators grilled DHS officials about how some foster children end up staying in hospital rooms for 60 to 100 days without access to treatment, schooling or the ability to go outside. DHS officials acknowledged the problems and said they are working to improve data tracking, establish oversight, and find placements more quickly for children.

  • Kanaiyah Ward died by suicide in September 2025.
  • The Senate committee hearing took place on January 29, 2026.

The players

Kanaiyah Ward

A 16-year-old girl who died by suicide while living at a Baltimore hotel under state care.

Pam Beidle

Chair of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee, who grilled DHS officials about the lack of services for foster children staying in hospital rooms for extended periods.

Larry Handerhan

Assistant secretary for programs at the Maryland Department of Human Services.

Clarence Lam

Maryland state senator who said DHS workers have complained about issues with the CJAMS tracking system.

Webster Ye

Chief of staff for the Maryland DHS secretary, who said the agency's top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of young people in state care.

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What they’re saying

“This child was in a room for 60 days. No treatment. Couldn't go outside. Had food and clothes — that was it. And I was told DHS doesn't take custody until they have placement for children.”

— Pam Beidle, Chair, Maryland Senate Finance Committee

“We are actively involved in identifying placements. We work closely with the family to work through the VPA, identify alternatives to being in that hospital.”

— Larry Handerhan, Assistant Secretary for Programs, Maryland DHS

“It is not fair to the children who need behavioral health or medication. We are not helping children when we leave them in a facility like that.”

— Pam Beidle, Chair, Maryland Senate Finance Committee

“A lot of DHS folks are saying CJAMS has been really difficult to work with. It has been very clunky. That's why they had to resort to cataloging things on spreadsheets.”

— Clarence Lam, Maryland State Senator

“The well-being of our young people is our top priority. We will not rest until every child in the state is safe, thriving in a permanent home, surrounded by loving family.”

— Webster Ye, Chief of Staff, Maryland DHS Secretary

What’s next

DHS officials said they are implementing five previously passed bills designed to improve performance and enhance transparency, and are working to refine issues with the CJAMS tracking system.

The takeaway

This tragic case has exposed ongoing challenges in Maryland's foster care system, including the practice of housing vulnerable children in hotels and hospitals for extended periods without proper services. Lawmakers are demanding reforms to better protect youth in state custody and ensure they receive the care and support they need.