The Coalition to Protect Maryland’s Children (CPMC), a statewide group focused on prevention and intervention of child abuse and neglect, has released its analysis of the 2025 audit report of the Maryland Department of Human Services - Social Services Administration submitted by the Department of Legislative Services. The audit's findings have sparked much public debate about accountability issues among the state’s child-serving agencies and the lack of resources made availa

Prior to session, CPMC identifies priority issues in need of policy reform, improved implementation, or different approaches to preventing and intervening in child maltreatment. Some coalition members - as volunteers or in representing their organizations - work with legislators during the interim in identifying potential bills and shaping their language to better serve and represent the best interests of their clients or stakeholders. During session, CPMC meets weekly to as

Things can progress very quickly in the closing days of the Maryland General Assembly. Chances can open up to tackle critical issues many years in the making. Some promising measures did cross the finish line this session, and now we just need to do the work. For example, CPMC members - as volunteers or as representatives of their organizations - pressed for law makers to learn more about our state’s foster care placement crisis, and committee members responded in hearings

Child welfare is a critical issue that requires both attention and action. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing...