# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 5. Child Care; Foster Care

#### Section 5-502

(a) The General Assembly declares that:

  (1) minor children are not capable of protecting themselves; and

  (2) when a parent has relinquished the care of the parent's minor child to others, there is a possibility of certain risks to the child that require compensating measures.

(b) It is the policy of this State:

  (1) to protect minor children whose care has been relinquished to others by the children's parent;

  (2) to resolve doubts in favor of the child when there is a conflict between the interests of a minor child and the interests of an adult; and

  (3) to encourage the development of child care services for minor children in a safe, healthy, and homelike environment.

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