Teens from Baltimore City and Harford, Prince George’s and Somerset Counties meet Vice President Biden, cast and crew of new movie “Annie”
BALTIMORE, MD (Dec. 9, 2014)-On Monday, December 8, local foster care youth were guests of Vice President Joe Biden for a special screening of the new movie Annie held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The event, “Improving Outcomes for Our Nation’s Foster Youth”, highlighted the Obama administration’s commitment to improving the lives of youth in and aging out of care.
Vice President Biden addressed the group, highlighting new steps that the Obama administration and its partners are taking to help support the foster youth in care. Nineteen current Maryland foster youth and foster care alumni were among those from around the country invited to participate. The event culminated in an appearance of cast members and filmmakers of the new Annie and a screening of the film.
Through its Place Matters initiative and other reform efforts, Maryland’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) has recorded a 50% decrease in children in foster care since 2007. Today there are fewer than than 5,100 young people in the foster care in Maryland, including 420 kids waiting to be adopted. Maryland has a great need for foster families for older youth in care. Of those waiting to be adopted, 23% are age 13 or older.
“Every child deserves a safe place to call home. Foster parents can have a tremendous impact on the lives of kids who, through no fault of their own, need our help,” said DHR Secretary Ted Dallas.
Several members of Maryland’s State Youth Advisory Board attended the White House event. The State Youth Advisory Board partners with DHR’s Social Services Administration and service providers to offer a youth perspective on the child welfare decision making process and challenges facing youth in foster care. The Board recently unveiled a new website to better connect kids in care with needed resources.
To arrange an interview with a youth who attended Monday’s event or obtain photos, please contact the DHR Office of Communications.
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Media contact: Brian Schleter
410-767-8944
DHR Communications
MD Department of Human Resources
