Senator Sumner addresses child support staffing crisis in Maryland's Human Services department

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on February 27, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the state's child support services and home energy assistance programs. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the need for improved support for both families and staff.

The session began with a presentation on the Center for Urban Families (CFUF), where DHS staff have been co-located to assist clients who may be hesitant to visit local child support offices due to fears of enforcement actions. This outreach initiative aims to better understand client needs and provide support for those who are unemployed or underemployed. The program's success has prompted discussions about expanding these services to additional community organizations.

Following this, Stanton Owens, a representative from AFSCME Local 112 and an employee of the Maryland Department of Human Services, addressed the committee regarding the pressing issue of understaffing within the agency. Owens emphasized that many employees are leaving for better-paying jobs in the private sector, leading to increased workloads for remaining staff. This situation has resulted in declining morale and a negative impact on the quality of service provided to families.

Owens advocated for a 1% cost of living adjustment for state employees, arguing that removing this adjustment would undermine the efforts of dedicated workers already facing significant challenges. He stressed the importance of supporting staff to ensure effective service delivery to Maryland's children and families.

The committee members expressed their support for Owens' concerns, acknowledging the hard work of DHS employees and the need for adequate compensation to maintain a stable workforce. The meeting concluded with a transition to discussions on the Office of Home Energy, where further insights into energy assistance programs were expected.

Overall, the HHS Committee session underscored the critical need for enhanced support for both families seeking assistance and the staff dedicated to serving them, highlighting the importance of addressing workforce challenges within the Department of Human Services.