Ch. 367

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(e) Except as provided in §§ 5-313 and 5-313.1 of this subtitle, the court may
grant a decree awarding guardianship only:

(1) After any investigation and hearing the court considers necessary; and

(2) With the consent of each living natural parent of the child.

(d) (1) [Within] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS
SUBSECTION, WITHIN 180 days after a petition for guardianship or petition for adoption
is filed under § 5-313 of this subtitle, the court shall rule on the petition.

(2) (I) IF A CHILD HAS BEEN ADJUDICATED TO DE A CHILD IN NEED
OF ASSISTANCE AS DEFINED UNDER § 3 801(E)(2) OF THE COURTS ARTICLE, THE
COURT SHALL HEAR AND RULE ON A PETITION FOR GUARDIANSHIP OF THE CHILD
WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE FILING OF THE PETITION.

(II) THE COURT MAY EXTEND THE TIME PERIOD IMPOSED UNDER
THIS PARAGRAPH TO PROTECT THE DUE PROCESS RIGHT RIGHTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL.

(e) In a proceeding for guardianship, consent may be revoked at any time within
30 days after the consent is signed.

(f) A decree of guardianship;

(1) Terminates the natural parents' rights, duties, and obligations toward

the child;

(2) Subject to § 5-319 of this subtitle, eliminates the need to give notice to
the natural parents of the filing of a petition for adoption of the child;

(3) Eliminates the need for a further consent by the natural parents to an
adoption of the child; and

(4) Subject to § 5-319 of this subtitle, authorizes the child placement agency
to consent to joint guardianship, custody, or other long term placement that the agency
determines to be in the child's best interest.

(g) (1) After any investigation and hearing the court considers necessary, the
court may grant a decree awarding joint guardianship, custody, or other long-term
placement that the court determines to be in the child's best interest.

(2) If joint guardianship is awarded to a caregiver, the child placement
agency shall retain guardianship with the right to consent to adoption or long-term care
short of adoption.

5-704.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any law on privileged
communications, each health practitioner, police officer, or educator or human service
worker, acting in a professional capacity, who has reason to believe that a child has been
subjected to:

(1) (i) Abuse, shall notify the local department or the appropriate law
enforcement agency; or

- 2528 -