Authority – MDCPS is designated by state statute to “administer and supervise the

Authority – MDCPS is designated by state statute to “administer and supervise the licensing and inspection of all private child placing agencies; provide for the care of dependent and neglected children in foster family homes or in institutions, supervise the care of such children and those of illegitimate birth; supervise the importation of children; and supervise the operation of all state institutions for children”. MDCPS is responsible for setting and developing standards for foster/adopt/kinship care resource homes, including those licensed by MDCPS-contracted child placing agencies. Because MDCPS is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the state who are cared for by foster family homes until the child can be safely reunited with his/her family or adopted, all foster homes and facilities that care for children in MDCPS custody must be timely licensed.