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SB 402

Residential Child Care Programs - Education of Children and Training of Child and Youth Care Practitioners

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joanne Benson and 5 co-sponsors

SB 402 mandates education and professional training requirements for child care practitioners in Maryland residential programs to improve care standards and outcomes for vulnerable children.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 641
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Bill Summary · SB 402

Legislative bill overview

SB 402 establishes new requirements for education and training standards for child and youth care practitioners in Maryland's residential child care programs. The bill sets educational credentials and professional development mandates for staff working in these facilities, which serve children in out-of-home care settings.

Why is this important

Residential child care programs serve some of Maryland's most vulnerable children, including those in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. Staff training and educational standards directly affect the quality of care, safety outcomes, and developmental support these children receive during critical periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Facilities may face increased operational costs to hire credentialed staff or fund employee training programs, potentially affecting smaller providers or rural programs
  • Workforce recruitment challenges: Mandating higher education requirements could reduce the available workforce in an already tight labor market, potentially raising wages significantly
  • Timeline feasibility: Existing staff may struggle to meet new credential requirements within implementation deadlines, creating staffing gaps
  • Scope and flexibility: Questions about whether standards are uniform across all program types or if exemptions exist for specific circumstances

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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