BALTIMORE, Md. — The Maryland Department of Human Services on Monday confirmed that it has directed all local departments of social services to stop setting up out-of-home foster youth in unlicensed settings, specifically hotels and motels.

"We will not rest until every child in our state is safe, thriving in a permanent home, and surrounded by a loving family," the agency said in a statement.

This comes just over a month after 16-year-old Kaynaiyah Ward, who was in the care of DHS, was found dead in a Residence Inn. Her death was ruled a suicide by an overdose of Diphenhydramine (also known by its brand name Benadryl) by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

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"Ending hotel stays has been a top prior

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