# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 3. Guardianship to and Adoption Through Local Department

#### Section 5-303

(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.

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