reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-415 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 4 - Adoption Subsidy Act|Part III - Short Title|Section 5-415 - Short Title

    This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland Adoption Subsidy Act”.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-502 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part I - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-502 - Legislative Findings

    (a)    The General Assembly declares that:        (1)    minor children are not capable of protecting themselves; and        (2)    when a parent has relinquished the care of the parent’s minor child to others, there is a possibility of certain risks to the child that require compensating measures.    (b)    It is the policy of this State:        (1)    to protect minor children whose care has been relinquished to others by the children’s parent;        (2)    to resolve doubts in favor of the child when there is a conflict between the interests of a minor child and the interests of an adult; and        (3)    to encourage the development of child care services for minor children in a safe, healthy, and homelike environment.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-503 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part I - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-503 - Corporations for the Care and Protection of Minor Children

    (a)    This section does not limit the powers of the Administration under this subtitle or the Department of Juvenile Services under Title 9 of the Human Services Article.    (b)    An agent, officer, or representative of a Maryland corporation formed for the care, custody, or protection of minor children who has care or custody of a minor child has the authority and privileges of a law enforcement officer for any purpose related to the objectives of the corporation.    (c)    (1)    A person, including a person acting under claim or color of authority over a minor child as a parent, guardian, or otherwise, may not interfere with or obstruct an agent, officer, or representative described in subsection (b) of this section in relation to the care, custody, or protection of the minor child by the agent, officer, or representative.        (2)    A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-504 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part I - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-504 - Rights of Foster Parents

    (a)    Foster parents in this State have the following rights:        (1)    the right, at the initial placement, at any time during the placement of a child in foster care, and as soon as practicable after new information becomes available, to receive full information from the caseworker, except for information about the family members that may be privileged or confidential, on the physical, social, emotional, educational, and mental history of a child which would possibly affect the care provided by a foster parent;        (2)    with regard to the local department case planning, the right to:            (i)    except for meetings covered by the attorney-client privilege or meetings in which confidential information about the natural parents is discussed, be notified of, and when applicable, be heard at scheduled meetings and staffings concerning a child in order to actively participate, without superseding the rights of the natural parents to participate and make appropriate decisions regarding the child, in the case planning, administrative case reviews, interdisciplinary staffings, and individual educational planning and mental health team meetings;            (ii)    be informed of decisions made by the courts or a child welfare agency concerning a child; and            (iii)    provide input concerning the plan of services for a child and to have that input given full consideration by the local department; and        (3)    the right to be given reasonable written notice, waived only in cases of a court order or when a child is determined to be at imminent risk of harm, of plans to terminate the placement of a child with a foster parent.    (b)    This section does not create, and may not be construed to create, a cause of action for foster parents.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part I - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-505 - Window Coverings in Foster Homes, Family Child Care Homes, Large Family Child Care Homes, and Child Care Centers

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Beaded chain” means a series of small spheres, equally spaced on a cord or connected by metal shafts used to raise and lower a window covering.        (3)    “Cord loop” means a curving or doubling of a beaded chain or cord to form a closed loop.        (4)    “Cordless window covering” means:            (i)    a horizontal blind or cellular shade that has no draw cord and the internal lift cord runs in the slats of the horizontal blind so that the cord is incapable of forming a loop greater than 7.25 inches;            (ii)    a Roman shade, roll–up blind, or woven shade that has no draw cord and the lift cord is completely enclosed so that it is not accessible;            (iii)    a vertical blind that has a wand as its operating mechanism and does not contain any beaded chains, corded pulleys, or other cord loop operating mechanisms; and            (iv)    a roller shade that does not contain a cord or beaded chain.        (5)    “Draw cord” means any form of rope, strap, or string used to raise or lower a window covering.        (6)    “Internal lift cord” means a cord that is contained inside the body and rails of the blind or shade.        (7)    “Wand” means a rod used to:            (i)    rotate a vertical blind; or            (ii)    tilt a horizontal blind.    (b)    This section applies only to foster homes, family child care homes, large family child care homes, and child care centers in the State.    (c)    (1)    All new and replacement window coverings installed on or after October 1, 2010, shall be cordless window coverings.        (2)    All window coverings in place before October 1, 2010, shall meet minimum safety standards established in regulations jointly adopted by the Department and the State Department of Education that include standards for:            (i)    Roman shades, roll–up shades, woven shades, and all window coverings with exposed and unsecured cords;            (ii)    horizontal blinds, cellular shades, and all window coverings that have draw cords for their operation; and            (iii)    vertical blinds and other window covering products with loops utilized in their operation.        (3)    If a person fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (c)(2) of this section, the appropriate agency may require replacement of existing window coverings with cordless window coverings.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-505.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part I - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 5-505.1 - Annual Report on Voluntary Placement Agreements for Children and Young Adults

    (a)    In consultation with interested stakeholders, the Administration shall prepare an annual report on voluntary placement agreements for children and young adults in the State.    (b)    The report shall include:        (1)    the total number of voluntary placement agreements that were:            (i)    approved;            (ii)    denied; and            (iii)    requested for behavioral health reasons, including voluntary placement agreements that were requested for children with a developmental disability who are also diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder;        (2)    the reason for any denials; and        (3)    for voluntary placement agreements that were approved, the type of initial placement, including:            (i)    residential treatment center;            (ii)    group home placement;            (iii)    therapeutic group home;            (iv)    diagnostic placement;            (v)    therapeutic foster home; and            (vi)    any other type of placement.    (c)    The report shall group the information required under subsection (b) of this section by the following regions:        (1)    Baltimore region, consisting of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Harford County;        (2)    Eastern Shore, consisting of Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County;        (3)    Metro Region, consisting of Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County;        (4)    Southern Maryland, consisting of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Charles County, and St. Mary’s County; and        (5)    Western Maryland, consisting of Allegany County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Garrett County, and Washington County.    (d)    On or before December 1 each year, the Administration shall submit the report required under this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-506 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-506 - Legislative Intent; Regulations; Only One License Required

    (a)    The General Assembly intends that:        (1)    all children whose care is the responsibility of this State shall have similar protection in terms of health, safety, and quality of care; and        (2)    the rules and regulations of agencies that are charged with child care shall be comparable.    (b)    In addition to other regulations adopted under this title, the Department may adopt regulations to carry out §§ 5-507, 5-508, 5-509, and 5-509.1 of this subtitle, which relate to the licensing of child placement agencies, child care homes, child care institutions, and residential educational facilities.    (c)    (1)    By regulation, the Department may delegate authority to child placement agencies to issue licenses or approve applicants for licenses under this subtitle.        (2)    Any regulation adopted by the Department under this subsection shall provide for an appeal to an administrative appellate authority from a decision of a child placement agency.    (d)    (1)    A child placement agency, child care home, child care institution, or residential educational facility may not be required to obtain a license from more than one State agency.        (2)    Any State agency authorized to license child placement agencies, child care homes, child care institutions, or residential educational facilities may make cooperative arrangements with any other State agency to give effect to paragraph (1) of this subsection.    (e)    The Department shall cooperate in planning and determining the cost of developing and implementing a system of evaluating the success of services to children in out–of–home placement.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-507 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-507 - License for Child Placement Agency

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall be licensed by the Administration as a child placement agency before the person may engage in the placement of minor children in homes or with individuals.    (b)    A license is not required:        (1)    for a person to place a child with an individual related to the child by blood or marriage within 4 degrees of consanguinity or affinity under the civil law rule;        (2)    except as provided in § 5-3B-12 of this title, for a parent or grandparent of a child to place the child directly, without the intervention of any other person except the recipient of the child; or        (3)    for a lawyer to prepare pleadings necessary to accomplish the adoption of a child or to perform any other function associated with the normal practice of law.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-509 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-509 - License for Child Care Institution

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall be licensed by the Administration as a child care institution before the person may operate an institution for the care, custody, or control of a minor child.    (b)    This section does not apply:        (1)    to an institution or facility that is operated by an agency of this State or any political subdivision of this State;        (2)    to a child care home that has a license under this subtitle or under § 9–235 of the Human Services Article; or        (3)    to an institution that accepts only children placed by the Maryland Department of Health or the Department of Juvenile Services.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-509.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-509.1 - Licensing to Operate a Residential Educational Facility

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section and subject to subsection (c) of this section, on or after January 1, 2000, a person shall be licensed by the Administration before the person may operate a residential educational facility.    (b)    This section does not apply:        (1)    to a child care home that has a license under this subtitle or under § 9–235 of the Human Services Article;        (2)    to a child care institution that has a license under this subtitle or under § 9–236 of the Human Services Article; or        (3)    to an institution that accepts only children placed by the Maryland Department of Health or the Department of Juvenile Services.    (c)    This section does not affect any requirement that a residential educational facility obtain a certificate of approval from the State Board of Education for its educational program.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-510 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-510 - Applications for Licenses

    To apply for a license under this subtitle, an applicant shall submit an application to the Administration on the form that the Administration requires.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-511 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-511 - Compliance With Workers' Compensation Act

    Before any license may be issued under this subtitle to an employer to engage in an activity in which the employer may employ a covered employee, as defined in § 9-101 of the Labor and Employment Article, the employer shall file with the Administration:         (1)    a certificate of compliance with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act; or        (2)    the number of a workers’ compensation insurance policy or binder.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-512 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-512 - Reciprocity

    If the other state extends the same recognition and reciprocal relations to licensees under this subtitle, the Administration may recognize and deal with a person licensed or recognized by any other state as being authorized to exercise care, custody, or control of minor children or to engage in the placement of minor children.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-513 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-513 - Action Required on Application for License

    Within 60 days after it receives the application, the Administration shall issue or deny a license under this subtitle and give notice of the action to the applicant.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-514 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-514 - Term of License

    A license issued under this subtitle is effective until the license is revoked or suspended under § 5-515 of this subtitle.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-515 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-515 - Suspension or Revocation of License

    Subject to the hearing provisions of § 5-516 of this subtitle, if a licensee violates any provision of this subtitle or of a rule or regulation adopted under this subtitle, the Administration may:         (1)    suspend the license for a period not exceeding 1 year; or        (2)    revoke the license.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-516 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-516 - Hearing

    The Administration may not suspend or revoke a license under this subtitle unless the Administration gives to the licensee:         (1)    notice of the suspension or revocation at least 20 days before the suspension or revocation;        (2)    a statement of the grounds for the suspension or revocation; and        (3)    an opportunity to be heard.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-517 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-517 - Administrative Review

    A person authorized to make a placement who is aggrieved by a decision of a child placement agency that has a delegated authority to issue or approve a license under this subtitle may appeal the decision to the administrative appellate authority designated by regulation.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-518 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-518 - Judicial Review

    (a)    A person aggrieved by a final decision of the highest administrative appellate authority in a contested case may take any further appeal as allowed by the Administrative Procedure Act.    (b)    If a further appeal is taken under this section:        (1)    any criminal prosecution of the person for carrying on without a license an activity for which the person must be licensed under this subtitle shall be stayed pending the appeal;        (2)    any injunction against the person for carrying on without a license an activity for which the person must be licensed under this subtitle shall be stayed pending the appeal; and        (3)    the court has discretion as to the care, custody, or control of any child whose care, custody, or control is the responsibility of the person.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-519 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-519 - Powers of Administration

    (a)    In connection with the issuance, suspension, or revocation of a license under this subtitle, the Administration may investigate the policies, purposes, premises, and facilities of a licensee or an applicant for a license.    (b)    The Director of the Administration may petition an equity court to enjoin the activities and operations of a person who seeks to carry on, without a license, the activities for which the person must be licensed under this subtitle. The petition shall be filed in the circuit court for the county in which the person is located or has a place of business.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-520 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-520 - Duties of Licensees

    (a)    In placing a minor child for adoption or in giving the care, custody, or control of a minor child to any person, a licensee shall give preference to persons of the same religious belief as that of the child or the child’s parents unless the parents specifically indicate a different choice.    (b)    A person authorized to place a minor child for adoption shall compile and make available to an adoptive parent a pertinent medical history of the child’s natural parents, if possible.    (c)    A medical history compiled under this section may not disclose or permit disclosure of the names or identity of a child’s natural parents.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-521 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part II - Licensing of Child Care Facilities|Section 5-521 - Penalties for Violation of Part Ii

    A person who, in violation of any provision of this Part II of this subtitle, exercises care, custody, or control of a minor child unrelated by blood or marriage or makes a placement of a minor child unrelated by blood or marriage is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year.
MD. Family Law Code Ann. §  5-524 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Family Law|Title 5 - Children|Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care|Part III - Child Welfare Services; Foster Care|Section 5-524 - Child Welfare Services

    The Administration shall provide child welfare services to a child and the child’s parent or guardian:         (1)    to assist in preventing the necessity of placing the child outside of the child’s home;        (2)    to reunite the child with the child’s parent or guardian after the child has been placed in foster care; or        (3)    if the child has been placed in foster care and cannot return to the child’s parent or guardian, to develop and implement an alternative permanent plan for the child.