Ch. 177                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

certain reimbursement; establishing the duties of the Task Force; requiring the
Task Force to make a certain report on or before a certain date; providing for the
termination of this Act; and generally relating to the Task Force to Study
Alternative Living Arrangements for Children in Out-of-Home Placement.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article 83C—Juvenile Justice
Section 2-120

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1998 Replacement Volume and 2002 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 83C—Juvenile Justice

Section 2-120.1

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1998 Replacement Volume and 2002 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 83C—Juvenile Justice

2-120.

(a) The Department shall provide for care, diagnosis, training, education, and
rehabilitation of children by placing them in group homes and institutions that,
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN § 2-120.1 OF THIS SUBTITLE, are operated by any nonprofit
or for profit entity.

(b) (1) The Department shall reimburse these entities for the cost of these
services at appropriate monthly rates that the Department determines, as provided in
the State budget.

(2) The reimbursement rate may differ between homes and institutions
that provide intermediate services, as defined by the Department, and homes and
institutions that provide full services.

(c) The Department may not place a child in a group home or other residential
facility that is not operating in compliance with applicable State licensing laws.

2-120.1.

(A) IN THIS SECTION, "WILDERNESS PILOT PROGRAM" MEANS A PROGRAM FOR
A GROUP HOME IN WHICH THE FACILITY AND ACTIVITIES ARE RELATED TO NATURE
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, IN A SITE THAT IS LEFT ESSENTIALLY IN ITS NATURAL
STATE, AND WHERE LIVING AND PROGRAM QUARTERS AND ACTIVITIES ARE
INTEGRATED INTO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

(B) (1) THE DEPARTMENT, IN COOPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES, SHALL ESTABLISH AT LEAST ONE WILDERNESS PILOT
PROGRAM IN THE STATE.

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