Mother Testifies for Kanaiyah's Law After Daughter's Suicide in DHS Care

Brooke Ward, whose 16-year-old daughter Kanaiyah died by suicide in a Baltimore hotel under state supervision, urges lawmakers to pass legislation to protect children in foster care.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Brooke Ward, the mother of 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward who died by suicide in September 2025 while living in a Baltimore hotel under state supervision, testified before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee in support of Kanaiyah's Law. The bipartisan bill aims to strengthen protections for children in foster care and codify policy reforms at the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS).

Why it matters

Kanaiyah's tragic death while in DHS custody has highlighted major issues in the state's foster care system, including the placement of children in unsuitable settings like hotels, lack of proper supervision, and inadequate safeguards to protect vulnerable youth. Kanaiyah's Law seeks to address these problems and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

The details

According to DHS, Kanaiyah had a history of mental health challenges, previous suicide attempts, and running away. The state hired a private company, Fenwick Behavioral Services, to supervise Kanaiyah, but DHS said the caretaker was negligent. Kanaiyah was allowed to be in the hotel room with a large bottle of Benadryl, and she died from an intentional overdose. Kanaiyah's Law would prohibit DHS from placing children in unlicensed settings like hotels, require background checks for adults in guardianship homes, and create an ombudsman and foster care advocate position to independently represent the interests of children in state care.

  • Kanaiyah Ward died by suicide in September 2025 while living in a Baltimore hotel under state supervision.
  • Brooke Ward, Kanaiyah's mother, testified before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee in support of Kanaiyah's Law on February 26, 2026.

The players

Brooke Ward

The mother of Kanaiyah Ward, a 16-year-old who died by suicide in September 2025 while living in a Baltimore hotel under state supervision.

Kanaiyah Ward

A 16-year-old who died by suicide in September 2025 while living in a Baltimore hotel under state supervision by the Maryland Department of Human Services.

Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS)

The state agency that placed Kanaiyah Ward in a Baltimore hotel, where she died by suicide, and is the focus of reforms proposed in Kanaiyah's Law.

Delegate Mike Griffith

The lead sponsor of Kanaiyah's Law, a Republican representing District 35A in Maryland which encompasses portions of Cecil and Harford counties.

Rafael López

The former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services, who stepped down earlier this week citing health reasons.

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What they’re saying

“'She was a wonderful daughter and we will miss her,'”

— Brooke Ward, Kanaiyah's mother

“'Sadly, DHS put Kanaiyah into a hotel room with limited to no supervision. Kanaiyah was allowed to be in this room with a bottle with over 350 doses of Benadryl. There were marks all over her body from repeated suicide attempts.'”

— Delegate Mike Griffith, Lead sponsor of Kanaiyah's Law

“'My name is Brooke Ward. I'm Kanaiyah's mother. I'm here today with my father, Mr. Michael Ward Sr., in the hopes that our collective action today means that no mother should have to bury her daughter.'”

— Brooke Ward, Kanaiyah's mother

What’s next

The House Judiciary Committee will continue to consider Kanaiyah's Law, which has bipartisan support as well as the backing of the Moore administration and the Maryland Department of Human Services.

The takeaway

Kanaiyah's tragic death while in state care has exposed serious flaws in Maryland's foster system, including the dangerous practice of placing vulnerable children in unsuitable settings like hotels with inadequate supervision. Kanaiyah's Law aims to enact critical reforms to protect children in state custody and ensure no other family has to endure a similar heartbreak.