Maryland Department of Human Resources Foster Youth Ombudsman, Angela Neal To better serve children and youth in Maryland’s foster care system, the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) created a new Foster Youth Ombudsman position in 2015, to ensure children and youth in foster care have an impartial advocate representing their interests and protecting their rights. As DHR’s first Foster Youth Ombudsman, Angela Neal will elevate Maryland’s foster care system as a child welfare center of excellence. To maintain the intent of the Foster Youth Ombudsman role as an impartial advocate, Angela reports directly to Secretary Sam Malhotra. A licensed clinical social worker with an extensive background in child welfare, Angela has supervisory and direct practice child welfare experience in both Maryland and the District of Columbia. Graduating summa cum laude, she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Lafayette College, as well as her Master’s of Social Work, with honors, from the University of Minnesota where she was a Title IV-E Scholar and graduate assistant within the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW). By providing a voice for children and youth in Maryland’s foster care system and identifying best practices, Angela will make policy recommendations to further promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and youth in Maryland’s foster care system.