# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 5. Child Care; Foster Care

#### Section 5-505.1

(a) In consultation with interested stakeholders, the Administration shall prepare an annual report on voluntary placement agreements for children and young adults in the State.

(b) The report shall include:

  (1) the total number of voluntary placement agreements that were:

    (i) approved;

    (ii) denied;

    (iii) requested for behavioral health reasons, including voluntary placement agreements that were requested for children with a developmental disability who are also diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder; and

    (iv) requested for children with a developmental disability who are not also diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder;

  (2) the reason for any denials; and

  (3) for voluntary placement agreements that were approved, the type of placement recommended and the type of initial placement, including:

    (i) residential treatment center;

    (ii) group home placement;

    (iii) therapeutic group home;

    (iv) diagnostic placement;

    (v) therapeutic foster home; and

    (vi) any other type of placement.

(c) The report shall group the information required under subsection (b) of this section by the following regions:

  (1) Baltimore region, consisting of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Harford County;

  (2) Eastern Shore, consisting of Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne's County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County;

  (3) Metro Region, consisting of Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County;

  (4) Southern Maryland, consisting of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Charles County, and St. Mary's County; and

  (5) Western Maryland, consisting of Allegany County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Garrett County, and Washington County.

(d) On or before December 1 each year, the Administration shall submit the report required under this section to the Governor and, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.

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