Ch. 250                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT AGREEMENT IS TO OBTAIN TREATMENT OR CARE RELATED
TO THE CHILD'S DISABILITY THAT THE PARENT IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE.

(II) A CHILD DESCRIBED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS
PARAGRAPH MAY REMAIN IN AN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT UNDER A VOLUNTARY
PLACEMENT AGREEMENT FOR MORE THAN 180 DAYS IF THE CHILD'S DISABILITY
NECESSITATES CARE OR TREATMENT IN THE OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT AND A
JUVENILE COURT MAKES A FINDING THAT CONTINUATION OF THE PLACEMENT IS IN
THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.

(c) (1) The local department shall provide 24-hour a day care and
supportive services for a child who is committed to its custody or guardianship in an
out-of-home placement on a short-term basis OR PLACED IN ACCORDANCE WITH A
VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT AGREEMENT.

(2) (i) A child may not be committed to the custody or guardianship of
a local department and placed in an out-of-home placement solely because the child's
parent or guardian lacks shelter OR SOLELY BECAUSE THE CHILD'S PARENTS ARE
FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO PROVIDE TREATMENT OR CARE FOR A CHILD WITH AN
EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, OR A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY OR MENTAL ILLNESS.

(ii) The local department shall make appropriate referrals to
emergency shelter services and other services for the homeless family with a child
which lacks shelter.

(i) The Administration shall adopt regulations that:

(1)     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)     prohibit a local department from seeking the custody or guardianship
of a child for placement in foster care solely because the child's parent or guardian
lacks shelter OR SOLELY BECAUSE THE CHILD'S PARENTS ARE FINANCIALLY UNABLE
TO PROVIDE TREATMENT OR CARE FOR A CHILD WITH AN EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, OR
A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY OR MENTAL ILLNESS; and

(3)     require the local department to make appropriate referrals to
emergency shelter and other services for families with children who lack shelter.

5-701.

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(r) (1) "Neglect" means the leaving of a child unattended or other failure to
give proper care and attention to a child by any parent or other person who has
permanent or temporary [care or custody] CARE, CUSTODY, or responsibility for
supervision of the child under circumstances that indicate:

[(1)](I) that the child's health or welfare is harmed or placed at
substantial risk of harm; or

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