1974

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 296

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.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section formerly appeared as Article
88A, § 61(a).

In the introductory language of this section, "to the
extent that funds are appropriated in the budget",
which formerly modified "shall", is deleted as
unnecessary.

The only other changes are in style.

See Article 88A, § 3(a)(1) of the Code, which provides
that the Administration may continue child welfare
assistance, including foster care, until a child is 21
years old.

Defined terms: "Administration" § 5-501
"Foster care" § 5-501

5-525. FOSTER CARE PROGRAM -- IN GENERAL.

(A) PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.

THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ESTABLISH A PROGRAM OF FOSTER CARE
FOR MINOR CHILDREN:

(1)  WHO ARE PLACED IN THE CUSTODY OF A LOCAL
DEPARTMENT, FOR A PERIOD OF NOT MORE THAN 6 MONTHS, BY A PARENT
OR LEGAL GUARDIAN UNDER A WRITTEN AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY ENTERED
INTO WITH THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT; OR

(2)  WHO ARE ADJUDICATED TO BE ABUSED, ABANDONED,
NEGLECTED, OR DEPENDENT, IF A JUVENILE COURT:

(I) HAS DETERMINED THAT CONTINUED RESIDENCE IN
THE CHILD'S HOME IS CONTRARY TO THE CHILD'S WELFARE; AND

(II) HAS COMMITTED THE CHILD TO THE CUSTODY OR
GUARDIANSHIP OF A LOCAL DEPARTMENT.