reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Administration” means the Social Services Administration of the Department.
(c)    “Confidential intermediary” means an individual or child placement agency qualified by the Director for the purpose of providing search, contact, and reunion services under this subtitle.
(d)    “Director” means the Director of the Administration.
(e)    “Member of the adoptive family” means an adoptive parent, grandparent, brother, or sister of an adopted individual.
(f)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, “relative” means a parent, brother, sister, child, aunt, or uncle of a biological parent.
(2)    In the case of a minor in out–of–home placement who was adopted through a local department, “relative” means an individual at least 21 years old who is related to the minor by blood or marriage within five degrees of consanguinity or affinity under the civil law rule.
(g)    “Search, contact, and reunion services” means services:
(1)    to locate adopted individuals, biological parents of adopted individuals, siblings of adopted individuals, and, as provided in § 5–4B–11 of this subtitle, relatives and members of the adoptive family;
(2)    to assess the mutual desire for communication or disclosure of information:
(i)    between adopted individuals and biological parents of adopted individuals;
(ii)    between adopted individuals and siblings of adopted individuals; and
(iii)    as provided in § 5–4B–11 of this subtitle, between:
1.    adopted individuals and relatives; and
2.    biological parents and members of the adoptive family;
(3)    to provide, or provide referral to, counseling for adopted individuals, biological parents of adopted individuals, siblings of adopted individuals, relatives, and members of the adoptive family;
(4)    if siblings of a minor in out–of–home placement were adopted through a local department, to contact the siblings to develop a placement resource or facilitate a family connection with the siblings of the minor; and
(5)    if a minor in out–of–home placement was adopted through a local department and a local department has determined that reunification with the minor’s adoptive parents is not in the minor’s best interests, to contact relatives of the minor to develop a placement resource or facilitate a family connection with the relatives.
(h)    “Sibling” means a brother or sister of the whole or half blood who:
(1)    is at least 21 years old; and
(2)    has been adopted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-02 - Application for Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services

(a)    (1)    An adopted individual at least 21 years old may apply to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services.
(2)    If an adopted individual is at least 21 years old, the following individuals may apply to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services:
(i)    a biological parent of the adopted individual;
(ii)    a sibling of the adopted individual; and
(iii)    a director of a local department acting on behalf of a minor in out–of–home placement.
(3)    A director of a local department or a local department director’s designee may apply to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services to develop a placement resource or facilitate a family connection with relatives of a minor in out–of–home placement who was adopted through a local department if the local department has determined that reunification with the minor’s adoptive parents is not in the minor’s best interests.
(b)    An individual who applies to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services shall supply any proof of identity or other relevant information required by the Director.
(c)    (1)    The Director may establish a reasonable fee for the application for search, contact, and reunion services.
(2)    The overall amount of fees collected may not exceed the costs of processing the applications.
(d)    A parent who has had his or her parental rights terminated under Subtitle 3 of this title may not apply to receive search, contact, and reunion services under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-03 - Confidential Intermediaries

(a)    The Director shall maintain a list of confidential intermediaries.
(b)    To qualify to be a confidential intermediary, an applicant shall meet the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.
(c)    If the applicant is a child placement agency, the agency shall appoint an employee of the agency as the representative member to make the application on behalf of the agency.
(d)    (1)    If the applicant is an individual, the applicant shall:
(i)    have completed at least 8 hours of training, approved by the Director, in providing search, contact, and reunion services; and
(ii)    meet any other qualifications that the Director establishes for confidential intermediaries.
(2)    If the applicant is a child placement agency, each employee who will provide search, contact, and reunion services under this subtitle shall:
(i)    have completed at least 8 hours of training, approved by the Director, in providing search, contact, and reunion services; and
(ii)    meet any other qualifications that the Director establishes for confidential intermediaries.
(e)    (1)    The Director may establish a reasonable fee for an application under this section.
(2)    The overall amount of fees collected may not exceed the costs of processing the applications.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-04 - Duties of Director

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Director shall provide the list of confidential intermediaries to an individual who applies for search, contact, and reunion services.
(b)    The Director shall refer an individual who applies for search, contact, and reunion services to the child placement agency that placed the child for adoption if:
(1)    the identity of the child placement agency that placed the child for adoption is known; and
(2)    the child placement agency is a confidential intermediary, as defined in § 5-4B-01 of this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    If the identity of the child placement agency that placed the child for adoption is unknown, the Director shall make reasonable efforts to determine the identity of the child placement agency that placed the child for adoption.
(2)    For purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Director shall have access to any information that is contained in a birth record or public record described in § 5-4B-06(b)(1) or (c)(1) of this subtitle.
(3)    (i)    The Director may charge an individual who applies for search, contact, and reunion services a reasonable fee for a search conducted in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(ii)    The overall amount of fees collected may not exceed the costs of providing the search.
(4)    The Director shall forward any information obtained from a search conducted in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection to the confidential intermediary for purposes of providing search, contact, and reunion services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-05 - Agreements With Confidential Intermediaries

(a)    An individual who applies for search, contact, and reunion services shall execute a written agreement with a confidential intermediary concerning the provision of search, contact, and reunion services.
(b)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the confidential intermediary may charge the individual a reasonable fee for search, contact, and reunion services.
(ii)    The overall amount of fees collected may not exceed the costs of providing the services.
(2)    The confidential intermediary may not charge a director of a local department who applies for search, contact, and reunion services on behalf of a minor in out–of–home placement the fee described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)    The confidential intermediary shall promptly:
(1)    file the executed agreement with the Director; and
(2)    attempt to contact the adopted individual, the biological parent, or the sibling sought by the applicant.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-06 - Location of Individuals Sought by Applicants

(a)    The Director or the Adoption Program Manager of the Department may authorize a confidential intermediary to obtain information described in subsection (b) or (c) of this section to locate an individual sought by an applicant.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a confidential intermediary may apply to the Secretary of Health for a copy of the following:
(i)    the original certificate of birth and any records that relate to the new certificate of birth of an adopted individual;
(ii)    the new certificate of birth that was substituted for the original certificate of birth of an adopted individual under § 4–211 of the Health – General Article; and
(iii)    the report of the decree or judgment of adoption filed by the clerk of the court under § 4–211 of the Health – General Article.
(2)    To apply for a copy of a record listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a confidential intermediary shall submit to the Secretary of Health a written statement signed by the Director or the Adoption Program Manager of the Department and witnessed by a notary public that authorizes the confidential intermediary to obtain information necessary to locate an individual sought by an applicant.
(3)    If a confidential intermediary complies with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary of Health shall give a copy of a record requested under this subsection that is on file with the Secretary to the confidential intermediary.
(c)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a confidential intermediary may access any information that is contained in a public record, as defined in § 4–101 of the General Provisions Article, including a court record.
(2)    To have access to information contained in a public record, a confidential intermediary shall submit to the custodian of a public record a written statement signed by the Director or the Adoption Program Manager of the Department and witnessed by a notary public that authorizes the confidential intermediary to obtain information necessary to locate an individual sought by an applicant.
(3)    If a confidential intermediary complies with paragraph (2) of this subsection, a custodian shall permit inspection of a public record requested under this subsection by the confidential intermediary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-07 - Reports; Consent to Disclosure; Nonlocation of Individual

(a)    Within 90 days after executing a search, contact, and reunion services agreement under § 5-4B-05 or § 5-4B-11 of this subtitle, a confidential intermediary shall file a report with the Director stating that:
(1)    the individual contacted by the confidential intermediary consents to the disclosure of specified information;
(2)    the individual contacted by the confidential intermediary does not consent to the disclosure of any information;
(3)    the individual sought by the confidential intermediary has not been located; or
(4)    the individual sought by the confidential intermediary is deceased.
(b)    If the individual sought by the confidential intermediary is deceased, the confidential intermediary shall indicate in the report whether any relatives or members of the adoptive family were contacted, as provided in § 5-4B-11 of this subtitle, and whether those individuals consent to the disclosure of information.
(c)    The report and any documents filed in accordance with this section are confidential.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-08 - Consent to Disclosure of Information

(a)    (1)    If an individual contacted by a confidential intermediary consents to the disclosure of any information, the confidential intermediary shall obtain the written consent of the individual witnessed by a notary public.
(2)    The written consent shall specify the nature of the information to be disclosed.
(b)    (1)    If a confidential intermediary obtains written consent under subsection (a) of this section, the confidential intermediary shall disclose the information specified in the consent to the individual who applied for search, contact, and reunion services.
(2)    The confidential intermediary shall disclose only the information that has been authorized by the written consent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-09 - Refusal to Consent to Disclose Information

If an individual contacted by a confidential intermediary does not consent to the disclosure of any information, the confidential intermediary:
(1)    may not disclose any information concerning the individual contacted;
(2)    shall refrain from further and subsequent inquiry with the individual contacted; and
(3)    shall report the refusal to the individual who applied for search, contact, and reunion services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-10 - Failure to Locate Individual Sought

(a)    If a confidential intermediary files a report under § 5-4B-07 of this subtitle stating that an individual sought has not been located, the confidential intermediary shall continue to make reasonable attempts to contact the individual sought for the period specified in the search, contact, and reunion services agreement executed in accordance with § 5-4B-05 or § 5-4B-11 of this subtitle.
(b)    If the confidential intermediary is unsuccessful at locating the individual sought within the period specified in the search, contact, and reunion services agreement, the confidential intermediary shall file a report with the Director stating the failure to locate the individual sought.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-11 - Individual Sought Is Deceased

(a)    If an individual sought by a confidential intermediary is deceased, the confidential intermediary may not disclose the identity of the deceased to the individual who applied for search, contact, and reunion services.
(b)    The confidential intermediary shall report the fact that the individual sought is deceased to the individual who applied for search, contact, and reunion services.
(c)    (1)    If the deceased individual is a biological parent, the confidential intermediary may, with the consent of the applicant, attempt to contact a relative who is at least 21 years old to assess the willingness of the relative to communicate or exchange information with the applicant.
(2)    If the deceased individual is an adopted individual, the confidential intermediary may, with the consent of the applicant, attempt to contact a member of the adoptive family who is at least 21 years old to assess the willingness of the member of the adoptive family to communicate or exchange information with the applicant.
(3)    If the applicant consents to contacting a relative or member of the adoptive family, the applicant shall execute another written agreement with the confidential intermediary concerning the provision of search, contact, and reunion services under this subsection.
(4)    (i)    1.    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the confidential intermediary may charge the individual a reasonable fee for the additional search, contact, and reunion services described in this subsection.
2.    The overall amount of fees collected may not exceed the costs of providing the services.
(ii)    The confidential intermediary may not charge a director of a local department who applies for search, contact, and reunion services on behalf of a minor in out–of–home placement the fee described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.
(5)    The confidential intermediary shall promptly:
(i)    file the executed agreement with the Director; and
(ii)    attempt to contact the relative or member of the adoptive family sought by the applicant.
(6)    The provisions of this subtitle shall apply to search, contact, and reunion services provided by a confidential intermediary under this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services › Section 5-4B-12 - Regulations

The Director shall adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subtitle, including regulations concerning:
(1)    the application process for search, contact, and reunion services;
(2)    qualifications for a confidential intermediary;
(3)    the agreement for search, contact, and reunion services executed by a confidential intermediary and an adopted individual, biological parent, or sibling; and
(4)    the delivery and scope of search, contact, and reunion services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4C - Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry › Section 5-4C-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Administration” means the Social Services Administration of the Department.
(c)    “Adoptee” means an individual:
(1)    who was adopted in this State; or
(2)    who was placed for adoption by:
(i)    a child placement agency licensed in this State; or
(ii)    a local department.
(d)    “Director” means the Director of the Administration.
(e)    “Identifying information” means information that reveals the identity or location of an adoptee, the natural parents of an adoptee, or a natural sibling.
(f)    Repealed.
(g)    “Natural father” means a man who:
(1)    was married to the adoptee’s natural mother at the time of conception;
(2)    was married to the adoptee’s natural mother at the time of the adoptee’s birth;
(3)    was named as the father on the adoptee’s pre-adoption birth certificate, unless the man has signed a denial of paternity or his nonpaternity has been determined by a court;
(4)    was identified by the natural mother as the father of the adoptee, unless the man has signed a denial of paternity or his nonpaternity has been determined by a court;
(5)    has been adjudicated to be the father of the adoptee; or
(6)    has acknowledged himself orally or in writing to be the father of the adoptee.
(h)    “Natural sibling” means an individual who is at least 21 years old and shares 1 or both natural parents with an adoptee.
(i)    “Registry” means the Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4C - Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry › Section 5-4C-02 - Purpose of Subtitle

The purpose of this subtitle is to:
(1)    establish within the Administration a Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry where natural parents, adoptees, and natural siblings may register if they wish to have identifying information released to each other; and
(2)    provide for the disclosure of identifying information to natural parents, adoptees, and natural siblings who have registered with the Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4C - Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry › Section 5-4C-03 - Duties of Director

(a)    The Director shall:
(1)    establish and maintain a Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry;
(2)    adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and
(3)    set and assess a reasonable fee for registrants, except that an individual may not be denied registration solely because of an inability to pay the fee.
(b)    The Director may contract with child placement agencies in this State to perform specific duties under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4C - Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry › Section 5-4C-04 - Confidentiality

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, or pursuant to a court order, the Administration may not disclose information contained in the Registry.
(b)    The Administration shall retain affidavits and other information collected concerning a registrant until the date specified by the registrant, or for 99 years after the date of registration, whichever occurs first.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4C - Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry › Section 5-4C-05 - Individuals Permitted to Register

Only the following individuals may register with the Registry:
(1)    an adoptee:
(i)    who is at least 21 years of age; and
(ii)    who does not have a natural sibling under the age of 21 years who has the same adoptive parents;
(2)    a natural mother;
(3)    a natural father; and
(4)    a natural sibling.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4C - Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry › Section 5-4C-06 - Affidavits; Required Information

(a)    (1)    To register with the Registry, an individual shall submit a notarized affidavit containing the following information:
(i)    the individual’s current name and any previous name by which the individual was known;
(ii)    the individual’s address and telephone number;
(iii)    if the individual is a natural parent of the adoptee, the original and adopted names, if known, of the adoptee;
(iv)    if the individual is an adoptee who is seeking information regarding the adoptee’s natural parents, any names, if known, by which the natural parents are or were known;
(v)    if the individual is an adoptee who is seeking information regarding a natural sibling, any names, if known, by which the natural sibling is or was known;
(vi)    if known, the place and date of birth of the adoptee;
(vii)    if known, the name and address of the child placement agency, if any, that placed the adoptee;
(viii)    if known, the names of the adoptive parents of the adoptee;
(ix)    the name and address of the court that issued the adoption or guardianship order; and
(x)    a statement of the individual’s consent to be identified to other registrants.
(2)    A registrant shall notify the Administration of changes in information occurring after the affidavit is filed.
(3)    A registrant may withdraw from the Registry at any time by submitting a notarized affidavit to that effect to the Administration.
(b)    (1)    The Administration shall obtain information necessary for identifying an adoptee, a natural mother of an adoptee, a natural father, or a natural sibling.
(2)    The Administration may not obtain information regarding:
(i)    the adoptive parents of the adoptee;
(ii)    a child of the adoptive parents who is not a natural sibling; or
(iii)    the financial status of the adoptive parents of the adoptee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 4C - Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry › Section 5-4C-07 - Matches

(a)    On receipt of an affidavit, the Administration shall:
(1)    attempt to match registrants or to provide matching information; and
(2)    if a match is made, direct the child placement agency, if known, or the local department, if there is no known child placement agency, to notify the registrants through a confidential contact.
(b)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a match is made when:
(i)    an adoptee and the adoptee’s natural mother and natural father register; or
(ii)    2 or more natural siblings register.
(2)    A match is made when an adoptee and only 1 natural parent of the adoptee register if:
(i)    notice of the filing of the petition for adoption or guardianship was given to the nonregistering parent and the parent did not participate in the judicial proceedings that terminated the parent-child relationship or declared the parent-child relationship was nonexistent;
(ii)    an adoptee and the natural mother of the adoptee register and there is no known natural father;
(iii)    the natural mother of the adoptee, or in the case of an agency adoption, the agency submits, or the Administration obtains from a court of competent jurisdiction in the state of the adoptee’s birth or adoption, a copy of a judgment that declares that the identity of the natural father is unknown;
(iv)    the Administration has information that indicates that the other natural parent is dead;
(v)    notice of the filing of the petition for adoption or guardianship was not given to the nonregistering natural parent of the adoptee; or
(vi)    1 year has elapsed since the registering natural parent filed the affidavit and the nonregistering natural parent has not filed a notarized affidavit stating the nonregistering parent’s refusal to permit the match.
(3)    Matching information is provided:
(i)    if both natural parents are deceased; and
(ii)    if only an adoptee has registered.
(c)    (1)    In order to make a match or provide matching information, the Administration may inquire into the records of a child placement agency or court that issued an adoption or guardianship order.
(2)    The court that issued the adoption order shall order that the Administration have access to court records on receipt of a petition from the Administration that states that review of the records is needed in order to make a match or to provide matching information under this section.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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;
(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; and
(iv)    requested for children with a developmental disability who are not 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 placement recommended and 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.