Child Protective Services (CPS) in Maryland has faced numerous criticisms and controversies over the years, including accusations of overreach, lack of transparency, and inefficiency in truly protecting the vulnerable children it is supposed to serve. Many parents and families in Maryland have reported experiences of undue stress, allegations without proper substantiation, and children being removed from homes without just cause.

The primary concern of many Maryland residents is that the CPS system is not effectively serving the families in need. In some cases, children are left in harmful environments due to administrative backlogs or misjudgments, while in others, families are torn apart based on minimal or misinterpreted evidence. This has created a climate of fear among parents who feel they may be wrongfully targeted.

As citizens, it is crucial to advocate for a system that genuinely protects children, supports families, and operates with greater accountability and transparency. Abolishing the current CPS and replacing it with a more effective and community-focused system is essential. Such a system should emphasize family support, offer resources for parents, and ensure robust checks and balances to hold agencies accountable.

Research shows alternative models in other states and countries where child protection agencies function more effectively by focusing on family preservation and community involvement. Implementing a similar approach in Maryland could ensure better protection for children while keeping families together whenever possible.

We urge the Maryland State Government to take immediate action to disband the current CPS structure and replace it with a new model that prioritizes the well-being of children and the preservation of family units. Sign this petition to demand change for a more just and effective child protection system in Maryland. Want I want to see happen is: -Eliminate ALL confidentiality restrictions when it comes to parents wanting to access their case reports, etc. Currently in order to even get a glimmer of a CHANCE at viewing your OWN documents/ allegations against YOU, case reports, notes, home visit reports, literally EVERYTHING. You’re being told your LAWYER has to FILE a motion in the courts for such a request, not only that, the more you’re requesting , the MORE $$ THEY WANT FOR EACH PAGE! Once they file this motion with the courts, DSS has the FINAL say so whether or not they feel it’s in the “best interest of everyone involved” and to say yes or no to releasing the requested documents. YOUR YOUR YOUR ! OWN! PERSONAL! RECORDS! Are being kept confidential and “sealed” from the very person the records are about. Fishy right ? - I want to replace the current DCFS system with a more beneficial for all (protect the children of course but also be more centered towards KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER AT ALL COST! ) -Hold them accountable and have it so each and every allegation made against a Parent is PROPERLY. Investigated. Primarily by law enforcement officers. -NEVER TERMINATING A PARENTS RIGHTS AND ELIMINATE THE OPTION OF HAVING FOSTER FAMILIES FULL ON “ADOPTING” CHILDREN UNLESS! UNLESS! UNLESS! The child has verbally expressed their desire for such a thing, The parents working towards reunification haven’t been reachable, at all whatsoever throughout the entire time the children have been out of their care (i.e - NOT showing up for visits AT ALL, NEVER asking how their children are doing during this time, just making 0 efforts at all towards communication and showing up for their children. -a jury trial should be the ONLY way that decides whether or not a child should go the rest of their LIVES WITHOUT their Birth Parents/Parent. -In the case where it ultimately gets decided or ruled upon, that it would be in the child’s best interest to be adopted by whomever (foster family, family member etc) there should always be the default being OPEN ADOPTIONS 100% of the time, UNLESS their birth parent/parents are not wanting and CONSENT THEMSELVES, they’d be ok with a CLOSED adoption. This decision should NEVER be left up to a judge, jury, the children’s attorneys (CASA workers, therapists , ANYONE BESIDES THAT PARENT!) these people I just mentioned are essentially STRANGERS to any parent facing this situation. How can one make such a decision, such a LIFE ALTERING DECISION FOR A CHILD, whether or not they get to have their own flesh and blood in their lives ? How dare you leave it up to the child to decide when they turn of legal age. Every time an adoption gets finalized , did you know the BIRTH. parents get REMOVED their child’s BIRTH CERTIFICATE!? Key words here being BIRTH. CERTIFICATE! ‼️‼️‼️A CHILDS BIRTH CERTIFICATE SHOULD NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE ALTERED ! EVER ! There are a LOT of adoptive parents that decide to never tell the children their even adopted when they become of an age where they’re able to comprehend what being adopted means in the first place.. in my opinion this is just cruel.. every child, every human being on earth should have THE RIGHT to know where they come from no matter what !! ‼️‼️‼️