Maryland Bill Aims to Notify Parents Before CPS Investigations

The 'Know Before They Knock Family Right to Notice Act' would require social workers to inform parents of their rights at the start of a child welfare probe.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:42am

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Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill called the 'Know Before They Knock Family Right to Notice Act' (Senate Bill 650) that would require social workers with Child Protective Services to inform parents about their rights as soon as an investigation starts. The bill is backed by the Maryland Office of the Public Defender after a parent, Amanda McCarty, said her family went through a 'nightmare' when CPS got involved after her daughter suffered an accidental burning, and McCarty wished she had known her rights before signing a safety plan.

Why it matters

This bill aims to empower parents by ensuring they are aware of their rights when CPS gets involved, which advocates say will promote better decision-making and child safety. However, the Maryland Department of Human Services has concerns that the policy could negatively impact child safety by having social workers act outside their normal roles.

The details

Senate Bill 650 would require social workers or law enforcement officers to let parents know their rights at the start of a child welfare investigation. This includes informing parents of the allegations against them, their right to an attorney, and their right not to sign anything binding without legal advice. The bill does not create new rights for parents or take away rights from CPS, but simply mandates that parents are informed of their existing rights.

  • On May 29, 2023, Amanda McCarty's 9-month-old daughter suffered an accidental burning during bath time.
  • After the incident, a CPS worker and detective arrived at the hospital to question McCarty and her husband.
  • A detective later determined the burning was an accident after searching the family's home.
  • However, a CPS worker still created a safety plan requiring McCarty's oldest daughter to live with another family member for 6 months.
  • The 'Know Before They Knock Family Right to Notice Act' has had hearings in both the Maryland House and Senate, but neither side has voted on the bills yet.

The players

Amanda McCarty

A parent who went through a 'nightmare' with CPS involvement after her daughter's accidental burning, and is now helping other parents as an advocate within the Office of the Public Defender.

Nena Villamar

The chief of the Parental Defense Division in the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, which represents parents involved in the child welfare system.

Maryland Department of Human Services

The state agency that has concerns the 'Know Before They Knock' bill could negatively impact child safety by having social workers act outside their normal roles.

Maryland Office of the Public Defender

The state agency that is backing the 'Know Before They Knock Family Right to Notice Act' after seeing cases like Amanda McCarty's.

Senate Bill 650

The 'Know Before They Knock Family Right to Notice Act' that is being considered by the Maryland legislature.

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What they’re saying

“When parents are well informed and they feel safe and supported, they are able to make better decisions for their children.”

— Nena Villamar, Chief of the Parental Defense Division, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The Maryland legislature has held hearings on the 'Know Before They Knock Family Right to Notice Act' in both the House and Senate, but neither side has voted on the bills yet.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to empower parents by ensuring they are aware of their rights when CPS gets involved, which advocates say will promote better decision-making and child safety. However, the state's human services agency has concerns the policy could negatively impact child welfare investigations.