# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 13. Child Welfare Accountability

#### Section 5-1304

The effectiveness of efforts to protect children removed from their homes from abuse and neglect shall be measured by:

(1) the incidence of indicated or unsubstantiated findings of child abuse or neglect of children in the custody of a local department, or a placement agency, for placements:

  (i) in foster care homes;

  (ii) in kinship care homes;

  (iii) in residential treatment centers or group homes;

  (iv) with family members; and

  (v) in other forms of substitute care;

(2) the incidence of indicated or unsubstantiated findings of child abuse or neglect within 12 months following the release of the child committed to the Department; and

(3) any other indicators adopted by the Secretary under Sec. 5-1302 of this subtitle.

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