Overview
- A Maryland Department of Human Services report concludes three Fenwick Behavioral Services staff were negligent in supervising 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward at a Baltimore hotel.
- The report says the company approved a continuous 53-hour assignment for one aide and failed to secure medications as required by policy.
- Ward died on Sept. 22, 2025, from an intentional overdose of diphenhydramine, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
- Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates reviewed the referral and said his office will not file criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove criminal neglect beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Fenwick’s owner disputes the findings and plans to appeal, the state has stopped using hotels for foster youth and ended one-on-one contracting with Fenwick, and the family’s attorney signals a forthcoming civil lawsuit.