Maryland Lawmakers Threaten to Withhold DHS Funds Over Foster Care Issues

Increased caseloads, hospital admissions, and hotel stays for foster children prompt calls for accountability

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Maryland's Department of Human Services (DHS) is facing scrutiny from state lawmakers over ongoing problems in the foster care system, including a 7.5% rise in out-of-home placements, a 31% surge in foster care caseloads, and a dramatic increase in hospital admissions for foster children. Lawmakers are now considering withholding funding from DHS until improvements are made, and the Senate president has expressed deep concern over the state of the agency.

Why it matters

The persistent issues in Maryland's foster care system have led to tragic outcomes, including the death of 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward, who was under state supervision and placed in a Baltimore hotel without adequate supervision. This has prompted a renewed focus on accountability and the need for systemic changes within DHS to protect vulnerable children in the state's care.

The details

Between October 2023 and September 2024, there were 97 medical hospital admissions and 216 psychiatric hospital admissions for foster children. In the following year, those numbers jumped to 717 and 511 hospital admissions, respectively. Additionally, 93 children experienced over 147 hotel day stays during the 2024-2025 budget year. The Department of Legislative Services has recommended withholding at least $750,000 from DHS until improvements are made.

  • Between October 2023 and September 2024, there were 97 medical hospital admissions and 216 psychiatric hospital admissions for foster children.
  • Between October 2024 and September 2025, those numbers jumped to 717 and 511 hospital admissions, respectively.
  • During the 2024-2025 budget year, 93 children experienced over 147 hotel day stays.

The players

Emily Shetty

Chair of the Health and Social Services Subcommittee in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Bill Ferguson

President of the Maryland Senate, who has expressed deep concern over the state of the Department of Human Services.

Kanaiyah Ward

A 16-year-old girl who was under the state's supervision and found dead in a Baltimore City hotel, prompting renewed focus on the foster care system.

Rafael Lopez

The former secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services, who has resigned citing health reasons.

Gloria Brown Burnett

The deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services, who will serve as interim secretary until April 1.

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What they’re saying

“You cannot turn the Titanic on a dime, unfortunately.”

— Emily Shetty, Chair of the Health and Social Services Subcommittee (FOX45 Morning News)

“We in the Senate are very, very concerned about DHS and the state of DHS overall.”

— Bill Ferguson, Senate President (FOX45 News)

“I mean yes. I hate that it's the case, but it is the reality that when we have bad incidents, it does focus the mind and legislative effort on areas where there are obvious problems with horrible outcomes.”

— Bill Ferguson, Senate President (FOX45 News)

“I regret that it took the death of an individual for us to have a targeted focus. But we are where we are.”

— Bill Ferguson, Senate President (FOX45 News)

“My administration is already working in partnership with the House of Delegates and the Senate on shared solutions to resolve audit findings, improve financial compliance infrastructure and strengthen fiscal and operational oversight across state government.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (The Baltimore Sun)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.