BALTIMORE, MD (January 16, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and Department of Human Resources Secretary Brenda Donald, today announced the launch the new state-wide initiative to recruit and retain foster parents in Maryland. The campaign, “1000 by 10,” aims to gain 1,000 foster homes by 2010, and will connect with leaders of Maryland’s business communities and other organizations. The number of Maryland foster parents has decreased by more than a thousand between 2003 and 2007.
“Our state must become a national leader for protecting vulnerable children, and we can help provide safety and brighter futures for our youth by ensuring that we have plenty of good foster families,” said Governor O’Malley. “We are serious about 1,000 by 10. Maryland can gain an additional 1,000 foster homes by the year 2010, and I am convinced that we will.”
“We will engage businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith organizations and other groups around this issue,” said Brenda Donald, Department of Human Resources Secretary. “We need organizations to make information readily available to their employees, and to support foster parenting in the workplace by hosting workshops and information sessions on the topic and by providing supports such as flexible work hours for employees who become foster parents.”
Maryland is committed to giving foster parents the resources they need to serve children. Two years ago, foster parents received a monthly stipend of $535 for each child in regular foster homes. The state has increased that, and with this Administration’s increase in July 2007, the monthly stipend is now $735. Other supports to foster parents include training, childcare assistance, and respite care.
“There are many reasons for people to consider foster parenting,” commented Lieutenant Governor Brown. “When we strengthen our children, we strengthen our communities, our towns, our counties and our state. Governor O’Malley and I are committed to working with Secretary Donald and her staff, the Maryland Foster Parents Association, the various business and non-profit communities. We will all benefit from the success of 1000 by 10.”