Ch. 625

LAWS OF MARYLAND

parents, and the child to be adopted, but may make a decision

without considering the religious background, training or

beliefs of these individuals if the court finds that the child
does not have sufficient religious background, training, or
beliefs to be factors in the adoption.

(3) IF THE PETITIONER IS A FOSTER PARENT, SHALL
CONSIDER:

(I) THE LENGTH OF TIME THE CHILD HAS BEEN IN
THE CARE OF THE FOSTER PARENT;

(II) THE CHILD'S FEELINGS TOWARD AND EMOTIONAL
TIES WITH THE FOSTER PARENT;

(III) THE CHILD'S ADJUSTMENT TO THE FOSTER
HOME, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY; AND

(IV) ANY OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS CONCERNING THE
FOSTER CARE, CHILD, OR PARENT.

5-525.                                                                                                                           

(a) 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 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.

(b) 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) 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:

(1) returning the child to the child's parent or
guardian, UNLESS THE DEPARTMENT IS THE GUARDIAN;

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