# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 12. Integration of Child Welfare and Substance Abuse Treatment Services

#### Section 5-1203

At an adjudicatory hearing on a petition for a child in need of assistance, if a local department requests substance abuse assessment and testing for a parent, a juvenile court shall order the assessment and testing unless the juvenile court finds compelling reasons not to order the assessment and testing and provides the reasons in writing.

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