On July 22, 2015, DHR Central Office will welcome Steven Youngblood as he assumes the position of Director of Foster Care Policy and Practice. This newly created position will report directly to Tracey Paliath, Deputy Secretary for Programs.
“I look forward to leveling the playing field for our foster youth and increasing their opportunity to succeed,” said Youngblood. Steve has been employed by the Baltimore City DSS for 18 years and played a critical role in ensuring the local department was responsive to the needs identified by older youth in foster care. Most recently, he managed the Ready by 21 portfolio and became the go-to source for support, counsel and encouragement for many of the older youth served by the DSS.
In his new position, he will be responsible for researching and analyzing best practices regarding services for foster youth. His focus will include workforce development, financial literacy, mentorship and housing initiatives. He will also be responsible for providing policy options and suggested service delivery improvements to the Secretary. Steven’s background will create opportunities to forge new strategic public-private partnerships with national experts in the area of foster care policy. He will continue to advocate on behalf of the Department’s foster care initiatives, policies and practice before legislators.
“Steven brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. I look forward to his contributions as we creatively prepare our foster youth for success as independent well functioning adults,” said Tracey Paliath.
