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2006 LAWS OF MARYLAND
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Ch. 632
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providers, shall conduct a Differential Response System Study on the implementation
of a research-based differential response system for allegations of child abuse and
neglect in the State.
(b) The Differential Response System Study shall:
(1) define levels of safety concerns associated with allegations of child
abuse and neglect in relation to a differential response system, including low safety
concerns and high safety concerns;
(2) determine specific responses and time frames for initiating and
completing responses for varying allegations of child abuse and neglect;
(3) develop a database of child welfare programs within local
departments and community resources in the State to assist the Department in
responding to allegations of child abuse and neglect by providing ongoing family
preservation services, when appropriate;
(4) determine existing capacity outside the child protective services
system to meet the needs of lower risk families and identify services and funding to
fill service gaps as part of an effective differential response system;
(4) (5) develop a plan to implement and evaluate a differential
response system for allegations of child abuse and neglect in the State, including
consideration of:
(i) workload standards;
(ii) multidisciplinary responses relating to mental health,
substance abuse assessment and treatment, domestic violence services, and services
for abused and neglected children;
(iii) the role of law enforcement;
(iv) staff training requirements and cost; and
(v) implications for reporting statistics on child abuse and neglect;
and
(5) (6) recommend specific statutory changes necessary to implement a
differential response system for allegations of child abuse and neglect in the State.
(c) On or before December 1, 2006, the Department shall submit a report to
the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, the
Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House
Judiciary Committee, on the findings and statutory recommendations of the
Differential Response System Study.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 2006. It shall remain effective for a period of 1 year and, at the end of May 31,
2007, with no further action required by the General Assembly, this Act shall be
abrogated and of no further force and effect.
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