HARRY HUGHES, Governor

1975

(B)  SHORT TERM FOSTER CARE.

THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE 24-HOUR A DAY CARE AND
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR A CHILD WHO IS COMMITTED TO ITS CUSTODY
OR GUARDIANSHIP IN A LICENSED OR APPROVED FOSTER FAMILY HOME,
GROUP HOME, OR CHILD CARE INSTITUTION ON A SHORT TERM BASIS,
WHILE THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS AND IMPLEMENTS A PERMANENT
PLAN THAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.

(C)  PERMANENT PLAN.

IN DEVELOPING A PERMANENT PLAN THAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS
OF A CHILD UNDER FOSTER CARE, THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT SHALL CONSIDER
THE FOLLOWING, IN DESCENDING ORDER OF PRIORITY:

GUARDIAN;

(1)  RETURNING THE CHILD TO THE CHILD'S PARENT OR

(2)  PLACING THE CHILD WITH RELATIVES;

(3)  ADOPTION;

(4)  AN INDEPENDENT LIVING ARRANGEMENT; OR

(5)  IN EXCEPTIONAL SITUATIONS AS DEFINED BY RULE OR
REGULATION, LONG TERM FOSTER CARE.

(D) FOSTER CARE GOALS.

THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT,
FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 1, 1983, AND FOR
EACH SUBSEQUENT 12-MONTH PERIOD, ESTABLISH SPECIFIC GOALS AS TO
THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHO WILL REMAIN IN FOSTER CARE FOR
MORE THAN 2 YEARS.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived
without substantive change from former Article 88A, §
61(b) and (c)(1).

In subsection (b) of this section, the phrase "and
supportive services" is added to conform this
provision to the definition of "foster care".

Also in subsection (b) of this section, "for a child
who is committed to its custody or guardianship" is
new language added for clarity.

In subsection (c) of this section, the reference to a
"local department" is substituted for the former
reference to the Administration, to conform to
practice.

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