"The primary goal for children in out-of-home care (or foster care) is reunification with their families"

Maryland is a kin-first state. While children are in out-of-home care, local departments of social services staff make every effort to identify kin (relatives or other individuals with whom a child or family has a connection) who can care for them until reunification is possible.

In situations when a child is unable to reunify with their parents or guardians, the child’s kin or resource parents who cared for them may be asked to consider adopting or obtaining guardianship of the child.

Children need to maintain connections with their birth family, culture, and community before and after adoption or guardianship. It is not uncommon for children who have experienced out-of-home care to struggle with grief and loss, and the Maryland Social Services Administration is committed to providing services to children and their adoptive and guardianship families to help them thrive. Children with special needs may qualify for an adoption or guardianship subsidy and medical assistance coverage.

To learn more about out-of-home care, adoption, or guardianship, please click here to find the contact person at your local department of social services and other helpful resources.