Ch. 250

2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2) WHEN THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF THE CHILD CANNOT REASONABLY
BE MET IN THE FAMILY HOME, THE MOST HOMELIKE SETTING FOR THE CHILD, WITH
A PREFERENCE FOR RESIDENCE IN THE SAME COMMUNITY AS THE CHILD'S FAMILY
SO THE CHILD MAY CONTINUE TO ATTEND THE SAME SCHOOL AND MAINTAIN
MAXIMUM CONTACT WITH THE CHILD'S FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.

[(p)] (R) "Local department" means the local department of social services for
the county in which the court is located.

[(q)] (S) (1) "Mental disorder" means a behavioral or emotional illness that
results from a psychiatric or neurological disorder.

(2) "Mental disorder" included a mental illness that so substantially
impairs the mental or emotional functioning of an individual as to make care or
treatment necessary or advisable for the welfare of the individual or for the safety of
the person or property of another.

(3) "Mental disorder" does not include mental retardation.

[(r)] (T) "Mental injury" means the observable, identifiable, and substantial
impairment of a child's mental or psychological ability to function.

[(s)] (U) "Neglect" means the leaving of a child unattended or other failure to
give proper care and attention to a child by any parent or individual who has
permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of the child
under circumstances that indicate:

(1) That the child's health or welfare is harmed or placed at substantial
risk of harm; or

(2) That the child has suffered mental injury or been placed at
substantial risk of mental injury.

[(t)] (V) "Parent" means a natural or adoptive parent whose parental rights
have not been terminated.

[(u)](W) (1) "Party" means:

(i) A child who is the subject of a petition;

(ii) The child's parent, guardian, or custodian;

(iii) The petitioner; or

(iv) An adult who is charged under § 3-828 of this subtitle.

(2) "Party" does not include a foster parent.

[(v)] (X) (1) "Sexual abuse" means an act that involves sexual molestation
or sexual exploitation of a child by:

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

- 2094 -