Ch. 250                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

Article - Family Law

Section 5-525(a), (c), and (i), and 5-701(r)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1999 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 - Courts and Judicial Proceedings

3-801.

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) "Abuse" means:

(1) Sexual abuse of a child, whether a physical injury is sustained or not;

(2) Physical or mental injury of a child under circumstances that
indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or is at substantial risk of being
harmed by:                                     

(i) A parent or other individual who has permanent or temporary
care or custody or responsibility for supervision of the child; or

(ii) A household or family member.

(c) "Adjudicatory hearing" means a hearing under this subtitle to determine
whether the allegations in the petition, other than the allegation that the child
requires the court's intervention, are true.

(d) "Adult" means an individual who is at least 18 years old.

(e) "Child" means an individual under the age of 18 years.

(f) "Child in need of assistance" means a child who requires court intervention
because:

(1) The child has been abused, has been neglected, has a developmental
disability, or has a mental disorder; and

(2) The child's parents, guardian, or custodian are unable or unwilling to
give proper care and attention to the child and the child's needs.

(g) "CINA" means a child in need of assistance.

(h) "CINA DISPOSITION HEARING" MEANS A HEARING UNDER THIS SUBTITLE
TO DETERMINE:

(1) WHETHER A CHILD IS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE; AND

(2) IF SO, THE NATURE OF THE COURT'S INTERVENTION TO PROTECT
THE CHILD'S HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL BEING.

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