# Housing and Community Development (GHS)

## Title 4. Division of Development Finance

### Subtitle 27. Unaccompanied Minors in Need of Shelter and Supportive Services

#### Section 4-2701

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

  (1) "Service provider" means a public or private nonprofit organization that provides shelter and supportive services to unaccompanied minors in need of shelter.

  (2) "Service provider" includes a host home program.

(c) "Supportive services" means interventions, services, or resources necessary to assist unaccompanied minors in need of shelter in acquiring or maintaining:

  (1) stable housing;

  (2) permanent connections, including ongoing attachments to families, communities, schools, and other positive social networks;

  (3) education and employment, including high performance in completion of education and training activities, especially for younger youth, and starting and maintaining adequate and stable employment, particularly for older youth; or

  (4) social and emotional well-being, including the development of key competencies, attitudes, and behaviors that equip a young person to succeed across multiple domains of daily life, including school, work, relationships, and community.

(d) "Unaccompanied minor in need of shelter" means a minor:

  (1) who is not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian; and

  (2)

    (i) who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as defined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; or

    (ii) whose status or circumstances indicate a significant danger of experiencing homelessness in the near future.

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Md. Code Ann., Hous. & Cmty. Dev. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)