Howard County is investing in its most vulnerable population: its children. According to Howard County's official news release, County Executive Calvin Ball announced a commitment of $122,000 to fund a Kinship Care & Family Finder pilot program. The program, operated by the Maryland Department of Human Services' Howard County Department of Social Services (DSS), is designed to place children in the foster care system with relatives or trusted family friends—a strategy known to foster stability and better outcomes for kids.
This fiscal infusion for the FY26 Operating Budget isn't just about getting kids out of group homes. "It’s important that we provide our children with love, support, and stability during challenging times," Calvin Ball stated. The funds will also support the training of kin caregivers and the resources necessary to ensure the success of these family placements. In Maryland, there has been a marked increase in kin placements since the Kinship Care Law came into place, which expanded who can be considered “kin”, and nearly half of the children in out-of-home care since October 1, 2024, are now placed with relatives.
Children fare better when placed with family—they experience fewer behavioral issues, maintain better health, and achieve more academically. "Research continues to remind us that children thrive when they remain connected to their communities, cultures, and families, whether by biological connection or by choice," said Rafael López, as per the county's news release, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services. Supporting this connection is beneficial not just for children but also for the very fabric of our community.
The investment extends beyond the children to those who fight for their well-being, the social workers. With nearly 100 percent turnover of the child welfare caseworkers in Howard County over the past year, the funds from FY26 are also earmarked for initiatives like the CARE Supervision Framework and the Leadership Academy to curb burnout and improve service delivery.
