Family Law and Human Services - Guardianship Assistance Program and State Foster Youth Ombudsman - Establishment (Kanaiyah's Law)

This bill establishes the Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman within the Attorney General's office to provide an independent, transparent complaint process for families, mandatory reporters, and the public regarding concerns about Maryland's child welfare system. It requires juvenile courts to include specific directives when granting guardianship, such as terminating certain departmental obligations and ensuring criminal background checks for adults living in a guardian's home. The legislation also prohibits the Social Services Administration from placing children in unlicensed settings and protects complainants from retaliation while keeping certain complaint records confidential. These changes aim to improve accountability and public confidence in how the state protects children from abuse and neglect.