Maryland Bill Aims to Strengthen Foster Care Regulations After Tragic Death

"Kanaiyah's Law" would restrict housing options and increase oversight of the child welfare system.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A bill named "Kanaiyah's Law" went before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, aiming to bolster regulations and oversight of the state's foster care system. The bill is named after 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward, who died last fall while in state care, and is sponsored by Del. Mike Griffith, who himself grew up in the foster care system. The proposed legislation would prohibit placing certain children in unlicensed settings like shelters, offices, and hotels, and would create a new Child Welfare Ombudsman to handle complaints and review child welfare practices.

Why it matters

Kanaiyah Ward's tragic death while in state care has highlighted ongoing issues within Maryland's foster system, prompting lawmakers to take action. This bill aims to increase accountability and strengthen protections for vulnerable children by restricting housing options and expanding oversight.

The details

The bill, known as "Kanaiyah's Law", would prohibit the placement of certain children in unlicensed settings such as shelters, offices, and hotels. A recent report found that children under age 5 were being placed unsupervised in hotel rooms. The legislation would also expand background checks for adults living with guardians and create a new Child Welfare Ombudsman, an independent advocate inside the attorney general's office to handle complaints and review child welfare practices.

  • The bill was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly on February 6, 2026.
  • The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the measure on February 26, 2026.

The players

Kanaiyah Ward

A 16-year-old girl who died while in state care in Maryland.

Brooke Ward

Kanaiyah Ward's mother, who testified in support of the bill.

Del. Mike Griffith

The Republican delegate from Cecil and Harford counties who sponsored the bill and grew up in the foster care system himself.

Maryland Department of Human Services

The state agency that backed the measure and ended the practice of housing children in hotels in November.

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What they’re saying

“My name is Brooke Ward. I am Kanaiyah's mother.”

— Brooke Ward (cbsnews.com)

“Kanaiyah was a wonderful daughter and we will miss her.”

— Brooke Ward (cbsnews.com)

“We are hoping that the young men and women who need the help get it and that the systems they rely upon to protect and serve them actually work.”

— Brooke Ward (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee will decide whether to advance the bill, known as "Kanaiyah's Law", to the full Maryland House of Delegates for consideration.

The takeaway

This bill aims to prevent tragedies like Kanaiyah Ward's death by restricting where the state can house children in foster care and strengthening oversight of Maryland's child welfare system. If passed, it would codify recent changes and introduce new measures to increase accountability and better protect vulnerable youth.