Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on Child Welfare in Baltimore City
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 23, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley released this statement on child welfare in Baltimore City, improvements within the Department of Human Resources and the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, and the status of the long-standing child welfare L.J. v. Massinga class-action lawsuit:
“I am proud of the progress that the Maryland Department of Human Resources and the Baltimore City Department of Social Services are making to care for and provide critical services for vulnerable children and families in our State.
“Today, after several months of mediation, the plaintiffs and the defendants in the longstanding L.J. v. Massinga foster care class-action lawsuit took an important step that will result in a stronger child welfare system for the most vulnerable children in our State, particularly in Baltimore City.
“I want to thank DHR Secretary Brenda Donald and BCDSS Director Molly McGrath for setting important milestones and using performance-based measurement to make our government work again for vulnerable children and families in our State. We have a solemn obligation to provide services for children in need, and I applaud Secretary Donald and Director McGrath for their tireless efforts to enact critical reforms at these historically-troubled agencies.”
