§ 5–303

Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.

Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 5-303 (2026)

Title 5. Children

Subtitle 3. Guardianship to and Adoption Through Local Department

(a)

The General Assembly finds that the policies and procedures of this subtitle are desirable and socially necessary.

(b)

The purposes of this subtitle are to:

(1)

timely provide permanent and safe homes for children consistent with their best interests;

(2)

protect children from unnecessary separation from their parents;

(3)

ensure adoption only by individuals fit for the responsibility;

(4)

protect parents from making hurried or ill-considered agreements to terminate parental rights;

(5)

protect prospective adoptive parents by giving them information about children and their backgrounds; and

(6)

protect adoptive parents from future disturbances of their relationships with children by former parents.