Md. Ending Contract With Foster-Care Provider

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The state of Maryland is cutting ties with its second-largest foster-care provider.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Department of Human Resources is ending its contract with Contemporary Family Services.

Spokesman Ian Patrick Hines cites the performance of the Hyattsville-based company as one factor, and says the state doesn't have the same need because it's been able to move more foster children into permanent homes.

The state has said problems with Contemporary Family Services included falsified meeting minutes and a failure to track whether foster parents had up-to-date criminal background checks. An attorney has called the accusations arbitrary, and the executive director has attributed the problems to former employees.

The Sun says the company's executive director, another executive and an attorney didn't return messages.

The contract expires June 30.

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