What’s in a suitcase? Dignity for Maryland’s foster children | STAFF COMMENTARY
It’s difficult being a child in foster care. Many have suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment from their parents or guardians who themselves might be facing challenges such as addiction, mental illness, incarceration or crushing debt. Youngsters often feel alone, fearful, anxious and traumatized. In a typical year, Maryland Department of Human Services supervises about 3,800 such individuals, many of whom go in and out of foster care or have to switch providers multiple times. Given all that, shouldn’t they at least be provided with a decent suitcase so that their few worldly belongings don’t have to be stuffed in a trash bag, as if they were worthless?
Under legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore, DHS now is required to provide luggage to any child who is entering, changing or exiting foster care. It will cost $125,000 the first year and around $84,500 in subsequent years, though it could be less, since donations will be accepted. There’s no special fund, just an expectation that local social service agencies will use existing funds for that purpose. It’s hardly a burden to taxpayers, particularly considering the comfort and dignity such a simple thing can provide; when you have no home, a safe, dedicated place to put your belongings is not too much to ask.
Why did it take until 2024 for this to become the rule? Did no one see the need earlier? As pleased as we may be to see this small investment in kids whose lives have been upended through no fault of their own, we hope it doesn’t signal that they aren’t being neglected in other ways that are not quite so obvious.
Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom.