I read with interest your editorial calling on Maryland to do more for the children and families of incarcerated parents ("When a parent goes to prison," April 27).
We agree, and Gov. Larry Hogan has already committed to doing just that.
In April 2015, Governor Hogan charged the Children's Cabinet with improving outcomes for the children and families of incarcerated parents. The action plan included flexible funding for local jurisdictions and coordinating state activities.
One example is the departments of public safety and human resources working together on visitation between foster youth and their incarcerated parent. The public safety department also provides several programs to strengthen family relationships, including Reading Unites Families, Girls Scouts Beyond Bars, Family Mediation and Family Days.
On a local level, we are increasing the capacity of Maryland's 24 Local Management Boards to provide services to the families and children of incarcerated parents. The Governor's Office for Children provided training on promising strategies, including those mentioned in the Casey Foundation report, and the Children's Cabinet also made funding available for critical programming.
This is just the beginning because these programs and activities will continue to unfold. For example, on June 29 to July 1, the Family League of Baltimore, a local management board funded by the Children's Cabinet, will host a conference to bring city stakeholders together around the issue of incarcerated parents.
This reflects Mr. Hogan's commitment to ensuring that Maryland's children and families have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
As Mr. Hogan said in his State of the State Address, "We cannot afford to leave anyone behind. Instead, we must commit to recognizing the fundamental human potential of all of our citizens."
The Justice Reinvestment Initiative mentioned in your editorial is the largest criminal justice reform initiative in a generation. It will enable state agencies and the Governor's Office for Children to help families, restore communities, keep our streets safer and move Maryland's economy forward.
Arlene F. Lee, Annapolis
The writer is executive director of the Governor's Office for Children.