DHR is working to be transparent

May 8, 2008

Nothing matters more to me as secretary of the Department of Human Resources than providing the best possible outcomes for Maryland's children and families. Every decision I make is aimed at achieving that goal.

Since becoming secretary, I have engaged public and private entities, legislators, advocates, Maryland's judiciary, law enforcement, health departments and the media in my action plan for improving child welfare in Maryland.

That includes operating in a transparent, inclusive manner that brings more people into the tent than ever before.

The Sun's editorial "Conspiracy of silence" (May 4) came in response to an advocacy group's review of state policies, not to the actions of this administration.

The serious injury or death of a child from abuse or neglect is a nightmare that is all too real to us at DHR. But when that kind of abuse or neglect occurs, we are there on the front lines, finding ways to improve agency practices and strengthen our supports for children - not conspiring to hide our shortcomings.

This was certainly the case in our unprecedented release of information about the death of 2-year-old Bryanna Harris.

After Bryanna's death, we were extremely proactive and forthcoming.

We promised and delivered on changes in casework practice as well as employee disciplinary actions - actions that should dispel the notion of a conspiracy of silence.

It is a new day at DHR. The Sun must measure us by our current actions.

Brenda Donald

Baltimore

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