# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 1. Definitions

#### Section 5-101

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

(b) "Adoptive parent" means an individual who completes adoption of another individual.

(c) "Child placement agency" means:

  (1) a local department; or

  (2) a private agency that is licensed by the Social Services Administration of the Department under Sec. 5-507 of this title, or by a comparable governmental unit of another state, to place children.

(d) "Crime of violence":

  (1) has the meaning stated in Sec. 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article; or

  (2) as to a crime committed in another state, means a crime that, if committed in this State, would be a crime of violence as defined in Sec. 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article.

(e) "Department" means the State Department of Human Services.

(f) "Disability" means:

  (1) alcohol dependence, as defined in Sec. 8-101 of the Health - General Article;

  (2) drug dependence, as defined in Sec. 8-101 of the Health - General Article;

  (3) a mental disorder, as defined in Sec. 10-101 of the Health - General Article; or

  (4) intellectual disability, as defined in Sec. 7-101 of the Health - General Article.

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Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)