Ch. 696                                    LAWS OF MARYLAND

(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:

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) (1) 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.

(2)  THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS TO
IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PART III OF THIS SUBTITLE.

(3)  THE REGULATIONS SHALL:

(I)  PROHIBIT A CHILD FROM BEING COMMITTED TO
THE CUSTODY OR GUARDIANSHIP OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND PLACED IN
FOSTER CARE SOLELY BECAUSE THE CHILD'S PARENT OR GUARDIAN LACKS
SHELTER; AND

(II)  REQUIRE THE ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE MAKE
APPROPRIATE REFERRALS TO EMERGENCY SHELTER AND OTHER SERVICES FOR
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WHO LACK SHELTER.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1987.

Approved June 2, 1987.

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