# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 13. Child Welfare Accountability

#### Section 5-1301

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

(b) "Abuse" has the meaning stated in Sec. 5-701 of this title.

(c) "Administration" means the Social Services Administration of the Department.

(d) "Child" means any individual under the age of 18 years.

(e) "Indicated" has the meaning stated in Sec. 5-701 of this title.

(f) "Kinship care" has the meaning stated in Sec. 5-501 of this title.

(g) "Local department" has the meaning stated in Sec. 1-101 of this article.

(h) "Neglect" has the meaning stated in Sec. 5-701 of this title.

(i) "Out-of-home placement" means placement of a child into foster care, kinship care, group care, or residential treatment care.

(j) "Ruled out" has the meaning stated in Sec. 5-701 of this title.

(k) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Human Services.

(l) "Unsubstantiated" has the meaning stated in Sec. 5-701 of this title.

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