The Maryland General Assembly's Judicial Proceedings Committee convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss two significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing child protection and adult services. The session highlighted the urgent need for reforms in child custody evaluations and the investigation of financial exploitation against vulnerable adults.

Senate Bill 25, presented by Senator Mary Beth Carozza, seeks to establish mandatory qualifications and training for child custody evaluators, particularly in cases involving allegations of child abuse and domestic violence. Carozza emphasized the alarming statistic that 21 Maryland children have died in custody-related incidents since 2008, underscoring the critical need for trained professionals in family courts. The bill aims to ensure that evaluators possess the necessary expertise to make informed recommendations, as judges rely heavily on their assessments in over 90% of custody cases.

The committee heard emotional testimonies from advocates and affected families, including a mother whose child was murdered by a father with a history of violence. These personal accounts illustrated the devastating consequences of untrained evaluators and the urgent need for legislative action. Support for the bill is growing, with endorsements from various child advocacy organizations and law enforcement agencies. However, some opposition arose from groups preferring that such standards remain within judicial rules rather than statutory law, raising concerns about the enforceability and accessibility of protections for families.

In addition to child protection, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 347, introduced by Senator Sarah Love, which aims to enhance the capabilities of Adult Protective Services (APS) in investigating financial exploitation cases. The bill proposes allowing APS to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to address the growing issue of financial scams targeting vulnerable adults. Testimonies from APS officials highlighted the challenges faced in prosecuting these crimes, which often cross state and national boundaries. The bill seeks to close existing loopholes that hinder effective investigations and prosecutions, thereby safeguarding the financial well-being of Maryland's elderly population.

The discussions during this session reflect a broader commitment within the Maryland General Assembly to prioritize the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults. As these bills progress, they represent critical steps toward ensuring that those tasked with making life-altering decisions in custody and financial matters are adequately trained and equipped to protect the most vulnerable members of society. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberations and potential amendments to address concerns raised during the hearing.