The Maryland Department of Human Services and Social Services Administration failed to administer proper background checks for vendors and service providers with access to minors in its care, a grave oversight that ultimately allowed sex offenders to abuse foster children, according to an audit released Wednesday by the Department of Legislative Services.

For its third consecutive audit, SSA’s accountability and compliance levels were again deemed unsatisfactory “based on the nature, significance and duration of the findings.”

Auditors found that the SSA was not aware of seven registered sex offenders that had the same address as an approved guardianship home housing 10 children in August 2024.

According to the audit, from May 2020 to May 2024 the SSA did not ensure criminal backgroun

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