To receive funds through the federal Family Preservation and Support Act of 1993, Maryland, in 1994, began the Foster Care Court Improvement Project. The Project assessed how Maryland courts were handling cases of foster care, including those of child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, and subsequent adoption. From that assessment, the State devised a plan, Improving Court Performance for Abused and Neglected Children, issued September 1997. Federal guidelines require the State to implement its plan.
Maryland Judicial Center, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, Maryland, April 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Through five subcommittees, the Foster Care Court-Improvement Implementation Committee works to carry out the recommendations included in the State plan. The Committee approves grant expenditures and proposes changes to statutes and rules. It also sets priorities; fosters support and cooperation between judicial and executive agencies (and any other parties affected by implementation); and acts as judicial liaison with local, State and federal agencies.
Fourteen committee members are appointed by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals to three-year terms. Two members serve ex officio.
Replaced by Legislative Policy and Legal Research Subcommittee in June 2012.
REPRESENTATION SUBCOMMITTEE
Katherine D. Savage, Chair
Replaced by Representation, Practice and Procedures Subcommittee in June 2012.
STATISTICS SUBCOMMITTEE
Patrick L. Woodward, Chair
Replaced by Quality Assurance and Improvement Subcommittee in June 2012.
TRAINING SUBCOMMITTEE
David W. Young, Chair
Replaced by Training, Education and Development Subcommittee in June 2012.
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