reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-525.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-525.1 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Adoption

    (a)    If a child placement agency to which a child is committed under § 5-525 of this subtitle determines that adoption of the child is in the best interest of the child, the child placement agency shall refer the case to the agency attorney within 60 days of the determination and the agency attorney shall file a petition for termination of the natural parent’s rights with the court within 60 days of receipt of the referral.    (b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a local department to which a child is committed under § 5-525 of this subtitle shall file a petition for termination of parental rights or join a termination of parental rights action that has been filed if:            (i)    the child has been in an out-of-home placement for 15 of the most recent 22 months;            (ii)    a court finds that the child is an abandoned infant; or            (iii)    a court finds that the parent has been convicted, in any state or any court of the United States, of:                1.    a crime of violence against:                A.    a minor offspring of the parent;                B.    the child; or                C.    another parent of the child; or                2.    aiding or abetting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit a crime described in item 1 of this item.        (2)    For purposes of this subsection, a child shall be considered to have entered an out-of-home placement 30 days after the child is placed into an out-of-home placement.        (3)    A local department is not required to file a petition or join an action if:            (i)    the child is being cared for by a relative;            (ii)    the local department has documented in the case plan, which shall be available for court review, a compelling reason why termination of parental rights would not be in the child’s best interests; or            (iii)    the local department has not provided services to the family consistent with the time period in the local department’s case plan that the local department considers necessary for the safe return of the child to the child’s home.    (c)    If a petition is filed under subsection (b) of this section, the local department shall identify, recruit, process, and seek to approve a qualified family for adoption, guardianship, or other permanent placement.    (d)    This section may not be construed to:        (1)    prohibit the filing of a petition at an earlier date or under other appropriate circumstances; or        (2)    require a local department to file a petition or, except as otherwise provided by law, require expedited termination of parental rights for a child in kinship care.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-525.2 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-525.2 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Sibling Placement and Visitation Rights

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Sibling” means a brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption.        (3)    “Treatment foster care home” means an out–of–home placement facility that is part of a program designed and implemented by a child placement agency to provide intensive casework and treatment in a family setting to children with special physical, emotional, or behavioral needs.    (b)    (1)    A local department shall place together siblings who are in an out–of–home placement under § 5–525 of this subtitle if:            (i)    it is in the best interests of the siblings to be placed together; and            (ii)    placement of the siblings together does not conflict with a specific health or safety regulation.        (2)    If placement of the siblings together conflicts with a specific health or safety regulation, the local department may place the siblings together if the local department makes a written finding describing how placement of the siblings together serves the best interests of the siblings.        (3)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in order to place siblings together the local department may place more than two children who require treatment in an eligible treatment foster care home if:            (i)    the local department makes a written finding explaining why placement of the siblings together:                1.    is in the best interests of the siblings; and                2.    will not harm other children placed at the same treatment foster care home; and            (ii)    the local department notifies the Administration of the placement.    (c)    (1)    Any siblings who are separated due to a foster care or adoptive placement may petition a court, including a juvenile court with jurisdiction over one or more of the siblings, for reasonable sibling visitation rights.        (2)    If a petitioner under this subsection petitions a court to issue a visitation decree or to amend an order, the court:            (i)    may hold a hearing to determine whether visitation is in the best interest of the children;            (ii)    shall weigh the relative interests of each child and base its decision on the best interests of the children promoting the greatest welfare and least harm to the children; and            (iii)    may issue an appropriate order or decree.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-526 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-526 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Provision of Services Through Group Homes and Institutions

    (a)    (1)    The Department shall provide for the care, diagnosis, training, education, and rehabilitation of children by placing them in group homes and institutions that are operated by for-profit or nonprofit charitable corporations.        (2)    Any group home utilized under the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of §§ 5-507 through 5-509 of this subtitle and § 7-309 of the Education Article.        (3)    The department that licenses the group home shall notify any group home utilized under the provisions of this section of the requirements of § 7-309 of the Education Article.    (b)    (1)    The Department shall reimburse these corporations for the cost of these services at appropriate monthly rates that the Department determines, as provided in the State budget.        (2)    The reimbursement rate may differ between homes and institutions that provide intermediate services, as defined by the Department, and homes and institutions that provide full services.    (c)    The Department, or the Department’s designee, may not place a child in a residential group home or other facility that is not operating in compliance with applicable State licensing laws.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-527 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-527 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Rates

    (a)    The Department shall adopt rules and regulations that establish eligibility guidelines for payment for foster care for 1 or more classes of children, including children who are in need of special care.    (b)    (1)    For a child who does not need special care, the Department shall pay for foster care in a single family home at a monthly rate that is not less than 55% of the monthly rate provided in subsection (c) of this section for a child who requires the most demanding special care in a single family home.        (2)    The monthly rate shall include increments based on the age of the child.    (c)    The Department shall pay for foster care for a child who needs the most demanding special care in a single family home at a monthly rate that is not less than the higher of:        (1)    the rate that the Department paid in fiscal year 1975; and        (2)    the rate that the Department of Juvenile Services pays for the current fiscal year.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-528 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-528 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Reimbursement for Medical Costs

    If the costs are not reimbursable under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, the Department shall reimburse a foster care provider for payment of the following medical costs for a child under foster care:         (1)    prescription drugs;        (2)    nonprescription drugs that are recommended by a physician;        (3)    replacement of eyeglasses; and        (4)    any other service that was covered by regulations under the Maryland Medical Assistance Program on December 31, 1975.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-529 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-529 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Liability Insurance and Reimbursement for Loss to Foster Parents

    (a)    In this section, “foster parent” includes an individual who cares for a minor child on an emergency basis under a shelter care program.    (b)    (1)    The Administration shall provide liability insurance for foster parents who care for children under foster parent programs.        (2)    The liability insurance shall provide coverage for:            (i)    bodily injury and property damage that a foster child causes to a person or the property of a person other than a foster parent; and            (ii)    actions against a foster parent by a natural parent for any accident to the child.        (3)    The Administration may establish a reasonable deductible limit.    (c)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary of Human Services shall reimburse a foster parent for costs of bodily injury or property damage that the child causes to the foster parent and that insurance does not cover.        (2)    Before reimbursement under this subsection, the Secretary of Human Services shall be satisfied that the actions of the foster parent did not contribute substantially to the bodily injury or property damage sustained.        (3)    Reimbursement under this subsection shall be made for all costs to a maximum amount of $5,000. However, all payments in excess of $2,000 require the approval of the Board of Public Works.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-530 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-530 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Adoption of Child Under Foster Care

    (a)    The Department may contribute to the support of a child formerly under foster care after the child is adopted.    (b)    The support may include payment for:        (1)    maintenance costs;        (2)    medical, dental, and surgical expenses;        (3)    psychiatric and psychological expenses; and        (4)    any other cost necessary for the child’s care and well-being.    (c)    The amount and duration of the support may vary according to the needs of the child and the income of the adoptive parents.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-531 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-531 - Out-of-Home Placement and Foster Care -- Payment of Funeral Expenses

    (a)    A local department may pay reasonable funeral expenses, not exceeding $650, for a child who was receiving foster care under this subtitle, if:        (1)    no individual who was legally responsible for the support of the child is able to pay; and        (2)    other resources, including insurance benefits or the child’s estate, are insufficient.    (b)    The cost of funeral expenses shall be charged to State funds.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-532 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-532 - Rules and Regulations

    (a)    The Administration shall adopt rules and regulations to carry out the child welfare services and foster care programs under this subtitle.    (b)    The regulations shall authorize the Administration to:        (1)    conduct a background check of child support arrearages on an applicant for foster home approval who is also a biological or adoptive parent;        (2)    consider any child support arrearage in determining whether to approve or disapprove the application; and        (3)    notify the appropriate criminal or juvenile delinquency court if the Administration has information indicating that the child’s interests as a victim are not adequately protected in a case before the court.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-533 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-533 - Health Care Services by Residential Facilities for Children

    (a)    (1)    In this section, “residential facility for children” means a public or private facility that provides shelter for minors for more than 30 consecutive days in an out-of-home placement.        (2)    “Residential facility for children” includes:            (i)    a child care institution or child care home licensed under this title;            (ii)    a group home, runaway home, residential treatment program, or independent living program;            (iii)    a State facility;            (iv)    a certified drug abuse facility; or            (v)    a certified alcohol abuse facility.        (3)    “Residential facility for children” does not include:            (i)    a foster care home;            (ii)    a hospital, hospice, or medical care facility; or            (iii)    a regional institute for children and adolescents.    (b)    (1)    A residential facility for children shall maintain contracts or other agreements with appropriate health care providers to provide the following health care services for each child who resides in the facility for more than 30 consecutive days:            (i)    a physical examination and necessary medical treatment; and            (ii)    appropriate mental health services.        (2)    Within 30 days after a child is placed in a residential facility for children the residential facility shall ensure that a health care provider:            (i)    conducts a physical examination of the child; and            (ii)    provides a report on the findings of the examination to the residential facility for children where the child resides.    (c)    (1)    Upon the finding of a court of competent jurisdiction, a residential facility for children that violates this section shall be fined $25 per day per child for each day that the violation exists.        (2)    If a fine is imposed on a residential facility for children, the director or the administrator of the residential facility for children may be liable for payment of the fine.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-535 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-535 - State Board -- Established

    There is a State Citizens Review Board for Children.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-536 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-536 - State Board -- Membership

    (a)    (1)    The State Board consists of 11 members.        (2)    Of the 11 members:            (i)    1 shall be appointed by the Governor from the Governor’s staff;            (ii)    3 shall be from the eighth judicial circuit, to be chosen by and from among the members of the local boards in the circuit; and            (iii)    1 shall be from each of the remaining judicial circuits, to be chosen by and from among the members of the local boards in the respective circuits.    (b)    (1)    The term of a member is 2 years.        (2)    A member may not serve on the State Board beyond the completion of the term of the member on the local board.        (3)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.        (4)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-537 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-537 - State Board -- Chair and Vice Chair

    (a)    From among its members, the State Board shall elect a chair and a vice chair by majority vote.    (b)    (1)    The terms of the chair and vice chair are 2 years.        (2)    At the end of a term, the chair or vice chair continues to serve until a successor is elected.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-538 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-538 - State Board -- Meetings; Compensation; Staff

    (a)    The State Board shall meet not less than once every 3 months and more frequently on the call of the chair.    (b)    A member of the State Board:        (1)    may not receive compensation; but        (2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.    (c)    The State Board may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-539 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-539 - State Board -- Powers and Duties

    (a)    The State Board may adopt policies and procedures that:        (1)    relate to the functions of the local boards; and        (2)    are consistent with the goals set forth in § 5–544 of this subtitle.    (b)    The State Board shall:        (1)    provide a training program for members of the local boards and local citizens review panels;        (2)    review and coordinate the activities of the local boards;        (3)    adopt policies and procedures that relate to reports and any other information that is required for any public or private agency or institution;        (4)    make recommendations to the Secretary of Human Services and the General Assembly regarding:            (i)    the response of the State to child abuse and neglect; and            (ii)    out–of–home care policies, procedures, and practices; and        (5)    report to the Secretary of Human Services and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the first day of each year on the status of children in out–of–home placement in this State.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-539.2 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-539.2 - Local Citizens Review Panels

    (a)    (1)    A local government may establish a local citizens review panel to assist and advise the State Board and the State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect.        (2)    Two or more counties may establish a multicounty local citizens review panel, in accordance with a memorandum of understanding executed by the governing bodies of each participating county.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section, the members and chair of a local citizens review panel shall be appointed by the local governing body.    (c)    Membership on a local citizens review panel shall be representative of the local jurisdiction and include:        (1)    individuals with expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect, such as child advocates, volunteers of the court–appointed special advocate program, attorneys who represent children, parent and consumer representatives, law enforcement representatives, and health, human, and educational services professionals; and        (2)    one member from the local jurisdiction, who is appointed by the State Board and one who is appointed by the State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect.    (d)    (1)    The term of a member is 4 years.        (2)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.    (e)    A local panel shall:        (1)    evaluate the extent to which State and local agencies in that jurisdiction are effectively fulfilling their responsibilities in accordance with the child protection standards and the State plan under 42 U.S.C. § 5106a(b) and any other criteria that the panel considers important for the protection of children;        (2)    issue reports on its findings to the State Board and the State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect; and        (3)    carry out case reviews and other duties as requested to assist the State Board and the State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-539.3 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-539.3 - Prohibitions

    (a)    The members of the State Board and the Board’s designees and staff:        (1)    may not disclose to any person or government official any identifying information about any specific child protection case about which the State Board is provided information; and        (2)    may make public other information unless prohibited by law.    (b)    In addition to any other penalties provided by law, the Secretary of Human Services may impose on any person who violates subsection (a) of this section a civil penalty not exceeding $500 for each violation.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-540 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-540 - Local Boards -- Established

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, there shall be at least 1 local board of review for minor children in out–of–home care in each county.    (b)    Instead of a local board in each county, 2 or more counties may agree to establish a single multicounty local board in accordance with a memorandum of understanding executed by the participating counties.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-541 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part IV - Out-of-Home Placement Review Boards|Section 5-541 - Local Boards -- Membership

    (a)    (1)    A local board consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor.        (2)    If a single multicounty local board is established for 2 or more counties, and if it is necessary that 1 or more of those counties have a greater number of members on the local board in order for the local board to have 7 members, the greater number of members shall be appointed from the counties that have the largest out–of–home care populations, in order of the size of the out–of–home care populations.    (b)    (1)    Each member of a local board shall be a resident of a county that is served by the local board.        (2)    Each member of a local board shall:            (i)    be a citizen who has demonstrated an interest in minor children through community service, professional experience, or similar activities; or            (ii)    have a background in law, sociology, psychology, psychiatry, education, social work, or medicine.    (c)    (1)    The term of a member is 4 years.        (2)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.        (3)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.