# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 5. Children

### Subtitle 5. Child Care; Foster Care

#### Section 5-509

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall be licensed by the Administration as a child care institution before the person may operate an institution for the care, custody, or control of a minor child.

(b) This section does not apply:

  (1) to an institution or facility that is operated by an agency of this State or any political subdivision of this State;

  (2) to a child care home that has a license under this subtitle or under Sec. 9-235 of the Human Services Article; or

  (3) to an institution that accepts only children placed by the Maryland Department of Health or the Department of Juvenile Services.

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