The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) said Monday that it is ending the practice of housing minors in hotels.

The policy change comes nearly a month after a teen girl in DHS custody — 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward — died from suicide in a Baltimore hotel, raising concerns from state leaders.

DHS changes hotel policy

On Monday, DHS released a memorandum that directs all of its Local Departments of Social Services to stop housing minors experiencing out-of-home care in "unlicensed settings."

Under the new guidance, all minors staying in hotels will be moved to a "placement appropriate to their needs" by November 24, 2025.

According to the department, there were 3,762 minors experiencing out-of-home care in Maryland as of Oct. 27. Six are staying in hotels, down 85% from the 41

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